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Ingratiating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ingratiating

[ษชnหˆษกreษชสƒษชหŒeษชtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

intended to gain favor or approval; sycophantic

Synonyms

fawning, obsequious, sycophantic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ingratiating

Used when someone is trying to gain favor or approval in a way that seems sincere or flattering.

  • He offered an ingratiating smile to the new boss, hoping to make a good first impression.
  • Her ingratiating compliments made it clear she wanted to be liked.
obsequious

Implies an excessive eagerness to please or obey, often in a way that is perceived as off-putting or sycophantic.

  • His obsequious behavior towards the management was noted by his peers with disdain.
  • She found his obsequious manners irritating and untrustworthy.
fawning

Describes behavior that is overly flattering or servile, often perceived as insincere or excessive.

  • The assistant's fawning manner was embarrassing as he hung on every word of his employer.
  • She didn't appreciate the fawning attention from her colleagues, preferring straightforward interactions.
sycophantic

Describes behavior that is excessively flattering toward someone important in a way that is insincere, often for personal gain.

  • The sycophantic praise from the team was a transparent attempt to win favor with the CEO.
  • His sycophantic tendencies made it clear he was more interested in advancing his career than being genuine.

Examples of usage

  • She gave him an ingratiating smile as she asked for a favor.
  • His ingratiating manner made it easy for him to win people over.
Context #2 | Adjective

tone

deliberately flattering or pleasing

Synonyms

charming, flattering, pleasing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ingratiating

Used when someone is trying too hard to win favor or please someone, often in a way that seems insincere or excessive. This word can have a negative connotation.

  • His ingratiating smile made me feel uncomfortable.
  • She made an ingratiating effort to be liked by everyone.
flattering

Used when someone is giving compliments or praise, often excessively, to win favor or make someone feel good. This can sometimes be seen as insincere.

  • His flattering remarks seemed over the top.
  • She gave him a flattering compliment on his new suit.
pleasing

Used to describe something that gives pleasure or satisfaction, often through its appearance or manner. It generally has a positive connotation.

  • The painting was pleasing to the eye.
  • He had a pleasing manner that made him easy to talk to.
charming

Used to describe a person or behavior that is naturally attractive or pleasant. This word usually has a positive connotation.

  • He was a charming host who made everyone feel welcome.
  • Her charming personality won the hearts of many.

Examples of usage

  • He used an ingratiating tone to try to convince her to change her mind.
  • The waiter's ingratiating manner was off-putting to some customers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classic literature, protagonists might use ingratiating behavior as a strategy to sidestep danger or achieve their goals.
  • Authors often portray ingratiating characters as somewhat manipulative, adding depth to their personalities in novels.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters employing ingratiating tactics often meet tragic ends, reflecting on the pitfalls of disingenuity.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, ingratiation is considered a common interpersonal tactic, where individuals seek to enhance their likability.
  • Studies show that people use ingratiating tactics more in competitive contexts than in friendly environments.
  • Interestingly, while some people view ingratiating behavior positively, others may see it as sycophantic or insincere.

Pop Culture

  • In films and TV, ingratiating characters often provide comic relief, but their motivations can reveal deeper social commentary.
  • Reality TV often showcases ingratiating behavior, where contestants vie for popularity with over-the-top compliments or flattery.
  • Popular sitcoms frequently feature a 'brown-noser' character type, embodying ingratiation to humorous effect.

Social Dynamics

  • In group settings, people may adopt ingratiating behaviors to integrate or gain support from others.
  • Research indicates that ingratiation can improve social bonds temporarily but may lead to mistrust if overdone.
  • Cultural norms influence how ingratiating behavior is perceived; what is acceptable in one culture might be shunned in another.

Origin of 'ingratiating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ingratiari,' meaning 'to bring into favor.'
  • In the 18th century, the word began to be used in English, becoming popular in social and literary contexts.
  • It originally described behaviors aimed at winning favor, often seen in courtly or competitive environments.

The word 'ingratiating' originated from the verb 'ingratiate', which comes from the Latin word 'in' (meaning 'in') and 'gratiฤtus' (meaning 'having gained favor'). The concept of ingratiating oneself to others has been present in various cultures throughout history, as individuals seek to gain favor or approval through flattery or pleasing behavior.

See also: ingrate.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,618, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.