incentive

in·cen·tive

noun \in-ˈsen-tiv\

Definition of INCENTIVE

: something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action

— incentive adjective

Examples of INCENTIVE

1. The rising cost of electricity provides a strong incentive to conserve energy.
2. The government offers special tax incentives for entrepreneurs.
3. The company is offering a special low price as an added incentive for new customers.

Origin of INCENTIVE

Middle English, from Late Latin incentivum, from neuter of incentivus stimulating, from Latin, setting the tune, from incentus, past participle of incinere to play (a tune), from in- + canere to sing — more at chant

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INCENTIVE

Synonyms: boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast

Antonyms: counterincentive, disincentive

Related Words: inducement, invitation; antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason; catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark

[+]more[-]hide

See Synonym Discussion at motive

Rhymes with INCENTIVE

adventive, attentive, inventive, pendentive, preventive, retentive