I. ə̇nˈsentiv, -tēv also -t-əv noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin incentivum, from neuter of Latin incentivus
: something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action : something (as fear or hope of reward) that constitutes a motive or spur : inducement
money is still a major incentive in most occupations
his father's promise of a bicycle was a real incentive to harder study
Synonyms: see motive
II. (ˈ)in|s-, ənˈs- adjective
Etymology: Late Latin incentivus, from Latin, setting the tune, from incentus (past participle of incinere to set the tune, from in- in- (II) + -cinere, from canere to sing) + -ivus -ive — more at chant
1.
a. : serving to encourage, rouse, or move to action : stimulative : motivative in a particular direction or course
increasing needs are often incentive to invention
this charming book is incentive to further study
b.
(1) : designed to enhance or improve production especially in industry
incentive pay
disadvantages of an incentive system
(2) : concerned with, based on, or employing incentive measures or techniques in business or industry
incentive management
long-term incentive experience
incentive studies
2. obsolete : serving to set on fire : kindling
• in·cen·tive·ly -tə̇vlē, -li adverb