κίνητρο
Lemma: κίνητρο
Translation: motive; incentive; motivation; stimulus (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek κινέω (kinéō, 'to move, set in motion') + the instrumental suffix -τρον (-tron). The root κιν- (kin-) is the same found in English words like 'kinetic' (relating to motion) and 'cinema' (originally 'moving pictures'). The word literally means 'that which moves or prompts one to action'.
Example Usage
Το χρηματικό βραβείο είναι ένα ισχυρό κίνητρο για τους διαγωνιζόμενους.
The monetary prize is a strong incentive for the contestants.
Δεν έχω κανένα κίνητρο να συνεχίσω αυτή τη δουλειά.
I have no motivation to continue this job.
Η κυβέρνηση προσφέρει φορολογικά κίνητρα για νέες επιχειρήσεις.
The government offers tax incentives for new businesses.
Ποιο ήταν το κίνητρο πίσω από αυτή την πράξη;
What was the motive behind this act?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'kinetic energy' (energy of motion) – κίνητρο is what puts you in motion toward a goal.
- Connect it to 'cinema' – just as movies move images, κίνητρο moves people to action.
- Sounds like 'key-nee-tro' – the 'key' that makes you 'need to' do something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek society, the concept of κίνητρο is often discussed in educational, professional, and political contexts. It's frequently used when discussing economic policies, educational reforms, and workplace productivity. The plural form κίνητρα is commonly used in discussions about what motivates individuals or groups to take certain actions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While κίνητρο means 'motive/incentive', κινητό means 'mobile phone' or 'mobile' (as an adjective). Both derive from the same root related to movement, but have different meanings and uses.
This word:
Χρειάζεσαι ένα κίνητρο για να πετύχεις τους στόχους σου.
You need a motive to achieve your goals.
Notes: Both words share the root κιν- related to movement, but κίνητρο is abstract (what moves you mentally) while κινητό is concrete (a physical object that moves or can be moved).
Mnemonic: κίνητρο ends with -τρο (like 'intro' in English) – it introduces you to action; κινητό ends with -τό – think of it as something you can touch and hold (a mobile phone).
Explanation: κίνητρο is a motive or incentive, while κίνημα means 'movement' in the sense of a social or political movement. Both derive from the same root related to motion.
Notes: Both words relate to movement, but κίνητρο is personal and psychological, while κίνημα is collective and social.
Mnemonic: κίνητρο moves an individual; κίνημα moves a group or society.