incentive
UK: ɪnˈsɛntɪv | US: ɪnˈsɛntɪv
n. something that motivates or encourages someone to take action
n. a financial or non-financial reward designed to influence behavior
incentive = in<toward> + cent<sing> + ive<noun suffix>
- in<toward>: From Latin in-, meaning "toward" or "into."
- cent<sing>: From Latin canere (to sing), via incentivus (setting the tune, inciting). The root cent reflects the idea of "striking up" or "urging forward," as in a musical prelude.
- ive<noun suffix>: Forms nouns indicating a tendency or function.
Etymology Origin:
The word incentive traces back to Latin incentivus, meaning "setting the tune" (from in- + canere). Originally used in music, it evolved metaphorically to mean "stimulating action," much like a musical prelude sets the mood for performance. By the 15th century, it entered English with the modern sense of a motivational force.
The company offers bonuses as an incentive for employees to meet targets.
Tax breaks serve as a powerful incentive for renewable energy investments.
Competition can be a strong incentive to improve performance.
The government introduced incentives to encourage small businesses.
Without proper incentives, productivity may decline.