noun

incentive

incentive, inducement, stimulus

The company offers a financial incentive.

The company offers a financial incentive.

There is little incentive for people to save money.

There is little incentive for people to save money.

an incentive ((for sb.)) ((to do sth.)) something that encourages a person to do something The bonus was an incentive for them to work harder.

Synonyms: motivation, stimulus, inducement; Antonyms: disincentive, deterrent

From Latin 'incentivus' meaning 'setting the tune, inciting', from 'in-' (into) + 'canere' (to sing). It originally referred to a musician leading a march.

Think of 'in-cent-ive' as giving someone a 'cent' (money) as a motive to do something.

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