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incentive

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/

The English word “incentive” has 4 meanings listed here.

noun

  1. Something that motivates, rouses, or encourages.
  2. A bonus or reward, often monetary, to work harder.

adjective

  1. Inciting; encouraging or moving; rousing to action; stimulating.
  2. Serving to kindle or set on fire.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin incentīvus (“that strikes up or sets the tune”), from incinō (“to strike up”), from in- (“in, on”) + canō (“to sing”) + -ive. The formation appears to have been influenced by incendō (“to set on fire”).

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