ingratiating
UK: ɪnˈɡreɪʃieɪtɪŋ | US: ɪnˈɡreɪʃieɪtɪŋ
adj. intended to gain approval or favor; charming or flattering in an insincere way
v. (present participle of "ingratiate") attempting to gain favor through deliberate effort
ingratiating = in<into> + grati<favor> + ating<verb suffix>
- in (Latin prefix): "into, toward"
- grati (from Latin gratia): "favor, kindness"
- ating (verb-forming suffix): indicates present participle or continuous action
Etymology Origin:
Derived from the verb ingratiate, which combines Latin in- (into) and gratia (favor). The word originally meant "to bring oneself into favor," evolving in English (17th century) to describe calculated efforts to win approval. The suffix -ating transforms it into an adjective or present participle, emphasizing the ongoing action of currying favor.
His ingratiating smile made the guests uneasy.
She dismissed his ingratiating compliments as insincere.
The politician’s ingratiating tone failed to convince the crowd.
Avoid ingratiating behavior—it often backfires.
The waiter’s ingratiating manner hinted at an expectation of a large tip.