incentive
A motivating factor or reward that encourages action
Examples
In a meeting
“We're offering a performance incentive to boost team productivity this quarter.”
Over coffee
“Free dessert is a great incentive to finish your vegetables.”
Why this word
motivation
incentive is an external reward or stimulus, while motivation can be internal drive
reward
incentive is offered to encourage future action, while reward is given for past action
encouragement
incentive is a concrete offering or reason, while encouragement is support or inspiration
Usage tip
Use to describe motivators more precisely than 'reason' or 'motivation.' Can be tangible or intangible.
Etymology
Latin 'incentivus' — 'incinere' (to strike up, set the tune), from 'canere' (to sing)
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Related words
incentivize
Motivate someone by offering rewards or benefits
prompt
To cause or encourage an action or response
galvanize
To shock or excite someone into taking action
compel
To force or drive someone to do something; to be irresistibly interesting
galvanizing
Shocking or exciting someone into taking action
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion