ingratiatingly
gb/ɪŋɡɹˈeɪʃətɪŋli/ us/ɪŋɡɹˈeɪʃətɪŋli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C2
property
1
in a flattering, favor-seeking way
in a way that is too friendly or too polite to get something
Usage pattern:
[someone] smiles/speaks/laughs ingratiatingly (to/at [someone])
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with gratefully (showing thanks) or gratifyingly (in a satisfying way).
Synonyms
fawningly (more openly eager to please, often negatively.)
|
sycophantically (stronger; suggests insincere praise to gain advantage.)
|
obsequiously (emphasizes submissive, servile politeness.)
|
flatteringly (focuses on praise, not necessarily submissiveness.)
Antonyms
candidly (in a direct, honest way rather than trying to please.)
|
bluntly (in an abrupt, unsoftened way.)
|
curtly (brief and not polite or friendly.)
Collocations
smile ingratiatingly
|speak ingratiatingly
|laugh ingratiatingly
|nod ingratiatingly
|ingratiatingly polite
|ingratiatingly friendly
|ingratiatingly flattering
|ingratiatingly attentive
|ingratiatingly deferential
|ingratiatingly enthusiastic
Themes
communication
|emotions
|social_relationships
Examples
- He leaned in and spoke ingratiatingly, hoping she would overlook the mistake.
- The salesman smiled ingratiatingly and offered another “special deal.”
- She laughed ingratiatingly at the boss’s joke, even though it wasn’t funny.
Learner examples
- He smiled ingratiatingly to get a favor.
- She spoke ingratiatingly to her manager.
adverb
formal
C1
property
2
in a charming, pleasing way
in a charming way that makes people like you
Usage pattern:
[someone] behaves/smiles ingratiatingly
Common mistake:
Even when used positively, it can still sound slightly suspicious; context decides.
Synonyms
charmingly (more clearly positive; lacks the idea of trying to gain favor.)
|
winsomely (suggests a gentle, appealing charm.)
Antonyms
unpleasantly (not pleasing or likable.)
|
off-puttingly (in a way that makes others dislike or distrust someone.)
Collocations
ingratiatingly charming
|ingratiatingly warm
|ingratiatingly cheerful
|ingratiatingly earnest
|ingratiatingly confident
Themes
emotions
|social_relationships
Examples
- He spoke ingratiatingly about the team’s work, and the mood in the room softened.
- The host greeted everyone ingratiatingly, making newcomers feel instantly welcome.
Learner examples
- She smiled ingratiatingly at the guests.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ingratiatingly
IPA
GB/ɪŋɡɹˈeɪʃətɪŋli/
US/ɪŋɡɹˈeɪʃətɪŋli/
Syllables & stress
in - gra - ti - at - ingly (5 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (gra)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ingratiatingly
- Plural: ingratiatinglies
Word family
Forms
ingratiatinglies
noun
Core family
ingratiate
verb C1
ingratiating
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
ingratiation
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.