incentive

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a positive motivational influence
  2. noun an additional payment (or other remuneration) to employees as a means of increasing output

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”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

inducement, motivator

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
rational motive
Narrower (hyponyms)
moral force
Opposite (antonyms)
disincentive

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