Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Incentive
In-cen′tive
,Adj.
1.
Inciting; encouraging or moving; rousing to action; stimulative.
Competency is the most
incentive
to industry. Dr. H. More.
2.
Serving to kindle or set on fire.
[R.]
Part
Provide, pernicious with one touch of fire.
incentive
reedProvide, pernicious with one touch of fire.
Milton.
In-cen′tive
,Noun.
[L.
incentivum
.] That which moves or influences the mind, or operates on the passions; that which incites, or has a tendency to incite, to determination or action; that which prompts to good or ill; motive; spur;
as, the love of money, and the desire of promotion, are two powerful
. incentives
to action
Syn. – Motive; spur; stimulus; incitement; encouragement; inducement; influence.
Webster 1828 Edition
Incentive
INCEN'TIVE
,Adj.
Inciting; encouraging or moving.
Competency is the most incentive to industry.
INCEN'TIVE
,Noun.
1.
That which kindles or inflames; used now in a figurative sense only.2.
That which moves the mind or operates on the passions; that which incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action; that which prompts to good or ill; motive; spur. The love of money, and the desire of promotion, are two most powerful incentives to action.