Words / B2

in-SENT-iv/ɪnˈsentɪv/

An incentive is something that encourages a particular action, often external: money, grades, time off — an incentive to + verb, or a financial / tax incentive. Motivation can be internal; incentive is frequently the outside push, while motive is the reason for a crime or act. Incentivise is the related British verb.

Meaning

Something that encourages you to do something.

Examples

• “A bonus is an incentive to work harder.”
• “Cheap fares are an incentive to leave the car at home.”
• “Without a clear incentive, few people completed the survey.”

Good to know

an incentive to + verb. External encouragement; motivation may be internal.

Near in meaning

motivation

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