ingratiating
gb/ɪŋɡɹˈeɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/ us/ɪŋɡɹˈeɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
trying to gain favor
trying to make someone like you by flattering them
Usage pattern:
[an] ingratiating [smile/manner/remark/gesture]
Common mistake:
Often confused with gratifying (pleasing) or grateful; ingratiating is about trying to gain someone’s favor.
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.)
Collocations
ingratiating smile
|ingratiating manner
|ingratiating tone
|ingratiating remark
|ingratiating behavior
|ingratiating gesture
|ingratiating laugh
|ingratiating flattery
Themes
social
|communication
|emotions
|power
Examples
- He put on an ingratiating smile and asked if he could “help” with the presentation.
- Her ingratiating tone made it sound as if she wanted something in return.
- The salesman’s ingratiating compliments quickly became tiresome.
Learner examples
- He gave an ingratiating smile to the boss.
- Her ingratiating words felt insincere.
adjective
C1
property
2
pleasantly charming and likable
charming and easy to like
Usage pattern:
[a/an] ingratiating [person/voice/smile]
Common mistake:
This more positive sense is less common; many uses still suggest trying too hard to please.
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.)
Collocations
ingratiating charm
|ingratiating voice
|ingratiating smile
|ingratiating manner
Themes
social
|emotions
|personality
Examples
- With his ingratiating charm, he won over even the toughest critics.
- She had an ingratiating way of making new people feel welcome.
Learner examples
- He is ingratiating and friendly.
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.