incentive
/ɪnˈsɛntɪv/
noun
Origin
Latin
incentivus — setting the tune, inciting
Overview
Meaning Now
- A thing that motivates or encourages one to do something.
- A payment or concession intended to stimulate greater output or investment.
Literal older meaning
that which kindles or sets on fire
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
incentivus
Earliest period
15th century
Journey
The word traces back to the Latin 'incinere', which meant 'to sing into' or 'to set the tune'. In a musical or liturgical context, it referred to a flute-player who accompanied the singers, thus providing the 'incentive' for them to keep the rhythm. Over time, the meaning shifted from the literal musical cue to a metaphorical nudge or motive.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
incinere
“to sing into, to play a tune”
- Late Latin
incentivus
“inciting, stimulating”
Derived from incentivus (adj) as a noun.
- Middle French
incentif
“incitement”
- 16th-century English
incentive
“an incitement or motive”
Connections
Word parts
in-
prefix
into, upon
canere
root
to sing
Related across languages
French
incitatif
inciting/incentive
Italian
incentivo
incentive
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.