YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

incentive

Noun

IPA /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/

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Meaning in plain English

Something that encourages you to take action or make an effort, often because it offers a benefit or reward.

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Pronunciation

incentive/ɪnˈsɛntɪv/

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A reward is offered
It encourages you to act

An incentive gives you a reason to make an effort.

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Examples in context

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The cheaper morning tickets gave us an incentive to leave early.
The chance to present our work gave the class an extra incentive to prepare.

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The cheaper morning tickets gave us an ________ to leave early.

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incentive — Something that encourages you to take action or make an effort, often because it offers a benefit or reward.

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Something that encourages you to take action or make an effort, often because it offers a benefit or reward.

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Word origin

From Late Latin incentivus, ultimately related to Latin incinere, meaning to sing or strike up a tune.

Did you know?

An incentive can be a benefit or opportunity; it does not have to be a payment.

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