What does ingratiate mean?
Ingratiate means to win someone's favor or goodwill by making yourself pleasing to them. It commonly appears in the expression “ingratiate oneself with” or “ingratiate oneself to,” followed by a person or group whose approval is sought. The word often implies that the behavior is deliberately flattering, excessively deferential, or politically calculating, although it does not necessarily mean that the pleasant behavior is insincere. In everyday use, it can be mildly critical: saying that someone is trying to ingratiate themselves with a powerful person suggests that their friendliness is motivated by self-interest. Ingratiate is useful when describing social and professional interactions where gaining favor matters, especially when the speaker wants to signal suspicion of excessive flattery.
verbTo gain someone's favor or goodwill by pleasing, flattering, or ingratiating oneself with them. It often implies that the behavior is excessively deferential or calculated.
- To gain favor or goodwill by pleasing, flattering, or ingratiating oneself with someone.
"He tried to ingratiate himself with the committee by praising their work at every opportunity."
"She knew how to ingratiate herself with clients without seeming insincere."
"The politician attempted to ingratiate himself with voters by emphasizing his family roots."
To ingratiate yourself is to make yourself pleasing to someone—often a reminder that charm can be a form of strategy as well as genuine warmth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ingratiate come from?
Ingratiate comes from Latin ingratiari, meaning “to make oneself acceptable or pleasing.” That form was built from in-, a prefix indicating movement or transformation, and gratus, meaning “pleasing” or “welcome.” English borrowed the word in the early 17th century, originally describing someone who made themselves agreeable to another person. It later developed the stronger modern sense of using flattery or charm to gain favor.
Related word forms
How ingratiate is actually used
Usually carries a mildly critical connotation, suggesting excessive flattery or a deliberate effort to win favor. It is often used with “oneself” and can describe behavior toward a person, group, or organization.
Easily confused with ingratiate
An ingrate is an ungrateful person, whereas to ingratiate is to try to win favor through pleasing or flattering behavior.