incentive

American  

[in-sen-tiv] / ɪnˈsɛn tɪv /

noun

1. something that incites or tends to incite to action or greater effort, as a reward offered for increased productivity.

   Synonyms:

   prod , goad , encouragement , impulse , incitement , spur , stimulus

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adjective

1. inciting, as to action; stimulating; provocative.

incentive British  

/ ɪnˈsɛntɪv /

noun

1. a motivating influence; stimulus

2. 1. an additional payment made to employees as a means of increasing production

   2. ( as modifier )

      an incentive scheme

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adjective

1. serving to incite to action

Related Words

See motive.

Other Word Forms

• counterincentive noun
• incentively adverb
• nonincentive adjective
• preincentive noun
• superincentive noun

Etymology

Origin of incentive

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Late Latin incentīvus “provocative,” in Latin: “setting the tune,” from incent(us) “played” (past participle of incinere “to play (an instrument, tunes),” from in- in- ² + -cinere, combining form of canere “to sing”) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

He said Britain needs to adequately encourage research and development through tax incentives and partnerships with academic institutions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Oliver Allen, economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said the gradual easing of tariff-related uncertainty, lower interest rates and an investment boost from tax incentives could lift manufacturing output slightly in the first half of next year.

From The Wall Street Journal

California is one of 13 states that offered this type of incentive program to its residents.

From Los Angeles Times

Norwegians are currently rushing to buy electric cars before a planned tightening of tax incentives for these vehicles, which are planned to start January 1.

From Barron's

Looking ahead: Many companies say overseas suppliers are still cheaper even after high U.S. tariffs are factored in, giving them little incentive to seek out domestic sources that in many cases don’t even exist.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• encouragement
• enticement
• impetus
• motivation
• reason
• stimulus