Question

Against the given word, there are some alternatives, one of which is either similar in meaning (synonym) or opposite in meaning (antonym) to the word. Find out which of the given alternatives is either a synonym or an antonym of the word.
INCENTIVE
a) Beginning
b) Objective
c) Motivation
d) Stimulation

Answer 1

Hint:Incentive refers to a thing that encourages or incites someone to fulfill something. Synonyms are words that are closest in meaning to another word, whereas Antonyms are words that are contrary in meaning to another word.

Complete answer:
 The word ‘incentive’ has been derived from the Latin word- Incentivum, which refers to something that incites.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘incentive’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The employees were provided with incentives to complete the work. Here, we can conclude that the employees were provided with something that encouraged or incited them to complete the word by the deadline.
Let’s examine the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Beginning’ refers to the starting or originating point of something or someone. Example- I started working at the beginning of April. ‘Beginning’ is different in meaning to the incentive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Objective’ refers to the unbiased and unprejudiced opinion of someone on something. Example- My therapist tries to be objective and open-minded. ‘Objective’ is different in meaning to the incentive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Motivation’ refers to an inducement or stimulus for producing desired behavior or action. Example- Fitness is the only motivation for his healthy diet. ‘Motivation’ is similar in meaning to the incentive. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option d- ‘Stimulation’ refers to the process of making something exciting and interactive. Example- Babies require multiple stimulation to keep them busy. ‘Stimulation’ is different in meaning to an incentive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
So, the correct answer is “Option c”.

Note:
 Some commonly used synonyms of ‘incentive’ are inducement, motive, stimulus etc while some commonly used antonyms of ‘incentive’ are deterrent, disincentive etc.