ingratiating
gb/ɪŋɡɹˈeɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/ us/ɪŋɡɹˈeɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/
C1
English
hízelkedő, megnyerő
C1
1
hízelkedő
B2
Usage pattern:
[an] ingratiating [smile/manner/remark/gesture]
He put on an ingratiating smile and asked if he could “help” with the presentation.
Hízelkedő mosolyt erőltetett magára, és megkérdezte, hogy „segíthet-e” a prezentációval.
Her ingratiating tone made it sound as if she wanted something in return.
Hízelkedő hangneméből úgy tűnt, mintha cserébe akarna valamit.
The salesman’s ingratiating compliments quickly became tiresome.
Learner examples
He gave an ingratiating smile to the boss.
Hízelkedő mosolyt villantott a főnökére.
Her ingratiating words felt insincere.
Hízelkedő szavai őszintétlennek hatottak.
Common mistake:
Often confused with gratifying (pleasing) or grateful; ingratiating is about trying to gain someone’s favor.
Meaning
trying to gain favor
Collocations
ingratiating smile
|ingratiating manner
|ingratiating tone
|ingratiating remark
|ingratiating behavior
|ingratiating gesture
|ingratiating laugh
|ingratiating flattery
Synonyms
fawning (More openly excessive and submissive.)
|
sycophantic (Stronger; emphasizes self-serving praise of someone powerful.)
|
obsequious (More formal; stresses servile politeness.)
|
flattering (Can be neutral; less clearly manipulative.)
Antonyms
abrasive (Rough or rude rather than pleasing.)
|
blunt (Direct and not concerned with pleasing.)
Themes
social
|communication
|emotions
|power
Definition
trying to make someone like you by flattering them
Trying to win someone’s approval or advantage for yourself by behaving in an overly pleasing or flattering way, often in a way that seems insincere.
C1
2
megnyerő
B2
Usage pattern:
[a/an] ingratiating [person/voice/smile]
With his ingratiating charm, he won over even the toughest critics.
Megnyerő sármjával még a legszigorúbb kritikusokat is levette a lábukról.
She had an ingratiating way of making new people feel welcome.
Megnyerő módon tudta elérni, hogy az új emberek is szívesen érezzék magukat.
Learner examples
He is ingratiating and friendly.
Megnyerő és barátságos.
Common mistake:
This more positive sense is less common; many uses still suggest trying too hard to please.
Meaning
pleasantly charming and likable
Collocations
ingratiating charm
|ingratiating voice
|ingratiating smile
|ingratiating manner
Synonyms
winning (More clearly positive and natural.)
|
charming (More general; does not suggest seeking favor.)
|
engaging (Stresses attracting interest and warmth.)
Antonyms
off-putting (Causing dislike rather than liking.)
|
unpleasant (Not enjoyable or likable.)
Themes
social
|emotions
|personality
Definition
charming and easy to like
Pleasant and charming in a way that makes people like you, without necessarily implying manipulation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ingratiating
IPA
GB/ɪŋɡɹˈeɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/
US/ɪŋɡɹˈeɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/
Syllables & stress
in - gra - ti - at - ing (5 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (gra)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: ingratiating
Word family
Core family
ingratiate
verb C1
ingratiatingly
adverb C2
Advanced or less common
ingratiation
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.