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incentive

in-SEN-tiv /ɪnˈsen.tɪv/

nounB2GREGMATTOEFLIELTS

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A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something; an expected reward or consequence.

Refers specifically to an offer or stimulus designed to influence behavior toward a particular choice.

The story behind the word. Surprisingly, incentive comes from Late Latin 'incentivus', meaning 'striking up a tune'. Just as a trumpeter setting the tempo moves soldiers to march, an incentive sets the tone that gets people moving.

Word relationships

inducement: Inducement often carries a connotation of subtle persuasion or temptation.
stimulus: Stimulus focuses on triggering an immediate response or action.

disincentive: Disincentive is a factor that deters or discourages action.
deterrent: Deterrent is designed specifically to prevent action through fear of consequences.

Commonly confused with

impetus: An incentive is a targeted reward offering motivation, whereas impetus is the force or momentum behind action.

Word family

incentivize (verb): To motivate someone by offering a reward.

Collocations

financial incentive
strong incentive
create an incentive
incentive scheme

Idioms & expressions

carrot and stick

Example sentences

"The company offered financial incentives to engineers who completed the project ahead of deadline." Corporate management
"Tax breaks act as a powerful incentive for green energy investment." Economic policy

Memory hook

INCENTIVE = INCite someone with a REWARD tune. Setting the tune.

When not to use

Do not use to mean an internal emotional feeling; an incentive is an external condition or offer.

Fun facts

Because of its root in 'canere' (to sing), incentive shares ancient linguistic roots with 'enchant' and 'incantation'.