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incentive
noun
Synonyms
motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action.
motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.
impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.
incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.
inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.
spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.
goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.
Examples of incentive in a Sentence
Word History
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
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing incentive
Dictionary Entries Near incentive
Cite this Entry
“Incentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incentive. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
incentive
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on incentive
Nglish: Translation of incentive for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of incentive for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incentive
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