首先,incentive是“激励”“刺激”的意思,绝不是motive“动机”. Hunger was the motive for his stealing.(饥饿是促使他偷窃的动机.) The bonus is an incentive for me to work hard.(奖金是促使我辛勤工作的动机.)
【同义辨析】motive, incentive 意思都是"动机". motive 指"任何使人产生行动的推动力,感情,愿望等", 如: Greed was his only motive for stealing. 贪婪是他盗窃的唯一动机. incentive指"怂恿人去行动的刺激物(经常是奖赏)", 如: Money is still a major in...