Ingratiate

Definition

Ingratiate means to bring oneself into favor with someone by deliberate effort, often through flattery or pleasing behavior. It is most commonly used as a transitive verb.

Parts of Speech

• Verb (transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ɪnˈɡreɪʃ.i.eɪt/
• Respelling: in-GRAY-shee-ate

British English

• IPA: /ɪnˈɡreɪʃ.i.eɪt/
• Respelling: in-GRAY-shee-ate

Etymology

Early 17th century: from Italian ingraziarsi ‘to win favor,’ from grazia ‘grace, favor’ (see grace) with reflexive suffix.

Derivatives

• ingratiation (noun)
• ingratiating (adjective, present participle)
• ingratiator (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• curry favor
• flatter
• toady
• fawn on
• wheedle

Antonyms

• alienate
• repel
• disgust
• offend

Usage

"She tried to ingratiate herself with her new neighbors by bringing homemade cookies."

"He ingratiated himself to the hiring manager with constant praise of the company's vision."

Related Terms

• Fawn: To show excessive affection or flattery.
• Sycophant: A person who flatters for personal gain.
• Adulate: To praise excessively.
• Flattery: Excessive, insincere praise.
• Curry favor: To seek to gain favor by flattery or attention.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To bring oneself into favor with someone by deliberate effort – to seek approval or goodwill through attentive or flattering behavior.
  • Example: "He ingratiated himself to the director by volunteering for every extra task."
• To gain favor or acceptance through flattery – to use praise or compliments to win someone over.
  • Example: "She ingratiated herself with the board members by praising each of their past initiatives."
• To establish oneself as agreeable or likable in someone’s eyes – to adopt behaviors or remarks that align with another’s preferences.
  • Example: "They ingratiated themselves with the host by sharing his enthusiasm for classical music."