Langimage
English

incentives

|in-cent-ives|

B2

/ɪnˈsɛntɪvz/

(incentive)

motivation

Base FormPluralNoun
incentiveincentivesnon-incentives
Etymology
Etymology Information

'incentive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incentivum,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'cantare' meant 'to sing.'

Historical Evolution

'incentivum' transformed into the French word 'incitatif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'incentive' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to sing into,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'motivation or encouragement.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.

The company offers financial incentives to its employees.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41