How to Pronounce Incentive

To pronounce "incentive", say INC-ent-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

incentive

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Accent

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4

Syllables

9

Letters

/ɪnˈsɛntɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “incentive”

"incentive" has 4 syllables: inc-ent-iv-e. It rhymes with attentive and inventive, if that helps it stick.

What does incentive mean?

noun

  1. Something that motivates, rouses, or encourages.

    “I have no incentive to do housework right now.”

  2. A bonus or reward, often monetary, to work harder.

    “Management offered the sales team a $500 incentive for each car sold.”

adjective

  1. Inciting; encouraging or moving; rousing to action; stimulating.
  2. Serving to kindle or set on fire.

Antonyms

disincentive

Hear “incentive” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with incentive

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

attentiveinventiveinattentivepreventivedisincentive

Related words

inducementbonusmotivatingmotivationalmotivationencouragedrivestimulus

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "incentive"?▾

"Incentive" has 4 syllables: inc · ent · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "incentive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "incentive" is /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/.

What does "incentive" mean?▾

Incentive: Something that motivates, rouses, or encourages.

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