incentive

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an additional payment, or other remuneration, to employees as a means of increasing output

   The employees were given the incentive of a free dinner to keep them later at work.

2. 2
   noun

   Something that motivates, rouses, or encourages.

   I have no incentive to do housework right now.

3. 3
   noun

   A bonus or reward, often monetary, to work harder.

   Management offered the sales team a $500 incentive for each car sold.

4. 4
   adj

   Inciting; encouraging or moving; rousing to action; stimulating.

   Competency is of all other proportions the most incentive to industry.

5. 5
   adj

   Serving to kindle or set on fire.

   Part incentive reed / Provide, pernicious with one touch of fire.

6. 6
   noun

   a positive motivational influence

Etymology

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