Reading Theme:
Incentive: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：motivating benefit (incentive)
incentive
/ɪnˈsentɪv/
n.
a benefit (like money or a prize) given to encourage someone to do something.
motivating benefit
➕
/məʊˈteɪtɪŋ ˈbenɪfɪt/
n.
A tangible benefit, such as money or a prize, provided to motivate someone to perform a specific action or achieve a goal.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'incentivus', meaning 'setting the tune', from 'incinere' (to sing).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'incentive' as 'in-cent-ive' – putting cents (money) in to encourage action.
📖 Example
The company offered a bonus as a financial incentive for employees who exceeded their sales targets.
The company provided a bonus as a monetary incentive to motivate employees who surpassed sales goals.
🔗 Collocations
financial incentive – a monetary reward to encourage action
tax incentive – a tax reduction to promote certain behaviors
performance incentive – a reward based on achieving specific performance targets
🔄 Synonyms
motivation (n.) – a reason or desire to act
stimulus (n.) – something that encourages activity or growth
inducement (n.) – a thing that persuades someone to do something
🚫 Antonyms
disincentive (n.) – something that discourages action
deterrent (n.) – a thing that prevents someone from acting
🌱 Derivatives
incentivize (v.) – to provide with an incentive
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'incentivus', used for musical encouragement. Now prevalent in economics and business for financial rewards to boost productivity.
Meaning 2：internal drive to act (incentive)
incentive
/ɪnˈsentɪv/
n.
a feeling or thought inside you that makes you want to do something or try harder.
internal drive to act
➕
/ɪnˈtɜːrnəl draɪv tuː ækt/
n.
An internal feeling or thought that propels someone to engage in an activity or strive for improvement.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
His main incentive for learning a new language was his love for foreign films and the desire to watch them without subtitles.
His primary motivation for learning a new language stemmed from his passion for foreign films and wanting to watch them without subtitles.
🔗 Collocations
personal incentive – an internal motivation based on individual goals
intrinsic incentive – a drive that comes from within oneself
moral incentive – a motivation based on ethical principles
🔄 Synonyms
motivation (n.) – the reason or enthusiasm for doing something
drive (n.) – a strong desire to achieve something
impulse (n.) – a sudden urge to act
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
incentivize (v.) – to provide with an incentive
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