English vocabulary · C2
Ingratiate
/ɪnˈɡreɪ.ʃi.eɪt/ · v.
To ingratiate yourself with someone is to try to win their liking. You use warm praise or kind acts so they will think well of you.
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Example sentences
- I ingratiate myself through praise.
- Gifts help me ingratiate myself.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- in — into (from Latin)
- grat — please (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- CHARM — make someone like you (Easy Warmth)
- WOO — try to win someone (Win Support)
- PLEASE — make someone feel happy (Make Happy)
Words with the same root
grat — please
- grateful — feeling thanks
- gratitude — a feeling of thanks
- gratify — give pleasure
Lesson notes
To ingratiate yourself with someone is to try to win their liking. You use warm praise or kind acts so they will think well of you.
Related: charm, woo, please. Use ingratiate when praise seeks favor.
I ingratiate myself through praise. Gifts help me ingratiate myself.
From Latin. In- means into. Grat- means please. Please friends to get into favor; ingratiate yourself.