incentive
n. C / Un. something that encourages you to do a specific task or work harder. It is often a reward like extra money or a special benefit.
n. a motivating influence or stimulus that encourages specific behavior or increased effort. Often used in economic contexts to describe rewards that align individual actions with organizational goals.
The company offers a cash incentive for perfect attendance.
The government introduced a tax incentive to encourage more homeowners to install solar panels on their roofs.
Economists argue that without a clear financial incentive, private firms are unlikely to invest the substantial capital required for long-term infrastructure projects in developing regions.
From Medieval Latin incentīvus (“that strikes up or sets the tune”), from incinō (“to strike up”), from in- (“in, on”) + canō (“to sing”). The formation appears to have been influenced by incendō (“to set on fire”).
Often followed by the preposition 'to' plus an infinitive ('an incentive to work') or 'for' plus a noun ('an incentive for staff').
The bonus gave me an incentive of working harder.The bonus gave me an incentive to work harder.When followed by a verb, incentive takes the 'to-infinitive' rather than 'of' plus a gerund.