Vocabulary word Ingratiate - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

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Dictionary Definition of ingratiate

To gain favor or approval through flattery or excessive friendliness, typically insincere in nature.
"The politician's attempts to ingratiate himself with the voters were seen as disingenuous."

Detailed Meaning of Ingratiate

It is a way of trying to please or gain the favor of someone, usually someone in a position of authority or power. It implies a lack of authenticity or integrity, as the person is not being genuine, but rather trying to gain something through flattery or manipulation.

Ingratiation can take many forms, such as excessive flattery, compliments, or agreement with the person, or behaving in a subservient or obsequious manner. It can be done through words or actions, and it can be overt or subtle. The goal of ingratiation is to gain favor, approval or advancement, or to gain access to something or someone.

Ingratiation is often seen as insincere and manipulative, as the person is not being genuine, but rather trying to gain something through flattery or manipulation. It can also be seen as a form of weakness or lack of integrity, as the person is not standing up for their own beliefs or values. Ingratiation can be detrimental to one's reputation, as it can be perceived as a lack of authenticity and integrity.

Example Sentences for Ingratiate

1. He attempted to ingratiate himself with his superiors through constant flattery.
2. The new recruit is trying to ingratiate herself with her teammates.
3. If you constantly try to ingratiate yourself with others, it might come off as insincere.
4. Her charm and wit could easily ingratiate her in any social circle.
5. You don't need to ingratiate yourself with people who don't respect you.
6. She used her extensive knowledge of literature to ingratiate herself with her book club.

Origin and Etymology of Ingratiate

The verb 'ingratiate' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'in gratiam,' which means 'in favor' or 'into favor.' This term is a combination of 'in,' indicating 'into,' and 'gratia,' meaning 'favor' or 'grace.' In essence, 'ingratiate' originally conveyed the idea of gaining someone's favor or approval by getting into their good graces. Over time, the term evolved to describe the act of trying to win favor through flattery or excessive friendliness, often with a connotation of insincerity. Thus, the etymology of 'ingratiate' reflects its historical association with the notion of entering into favor or grace, which aligns with its modern meaning of attempting to cultivate a favorable impression, sometimes in a less-than-genuine manner.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb ingratiate:

alienate

offend

charm

repulse

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Ingratiate

1. Don't try to ingratiate yourself with me; just be honest.
2. The intern made coffee for everyone, trying to ingratiate himself on his first day.
3. The prince used his charisma to ingratiate himself with the foreign dignitaries.
4. The politician tried to ingratiate himself with voters through bold promises.
5. With her quick wit and friendly demeanor, she could easily ingratiate herself into any group.
6. They tried to ingratiate themselves with the new boss by volunteering for extra work.
7. The young artist tried to ingratiate herself with the local art community.
8. By taking on extra responsibilities, he hoped to ingratiate himself with his coworkers.
9. The new student attempted to ingratiate herself with her classmates by helping with their assignments.
10. One can ingratiate themselves with the teacher by actively participating in class.
11. The young actor tried to ingratiate himself with the director by praising his previous works.
12. The coach was wise to the athlete's attempts to ingratiate himself.
13. By offering to help, she was trying to ingratiate herself with the event organizers.
14. The apprentice tried to ingratiate himself with the master blacksmith by showing up early and staying late.