Ingratiating

Ingratiating describes behavior intended to gain someone's favor or approval, often through flattery, charm, or excessive friendliness. It implies a degree of calculation or insincerity in the attempt to win someone over, sometimes to exploit the relationship for personal gain. The behavior can be perceived as manipulative and can be off-putting if the effort feels forced or transparent. It differs from genuine friendliness or politeness by its underlying motive – the desire to curry favor or build an advantage rather than simply showing warmth or respect. The actions focus on pleasing others to achieve a desired outcome.

Ingratiating meaning with examples

• With a forced smile and a series of compliments about her boss's golf game, Sarah adopted an Ingratiating demeanor, hoping to secure a promotion. Her excessive praise felt unnatural, as if she was reading from a script, revealing her true intentions rather than genuine appreciation.
• The new intern, desperate to impress, was overly Ingratiating towards the senior partners, offering to fetch coffee and staying late to volunteer for tasks, even when not required, making colleagues wary of his motives. It came across as pandering and drew more skepticism than admiration.
• The salesperson's Ingratiating tone, filled with exaggerated promises and flattering remarks, seemed designed to disarm the customer and pressure them into a purchase. The sheer effort he applied to the exchange felt transparent, so the client wasn't going to fall for it.
• During the negotiation, the lawyer's Ingratiating approach, marked by a solicitous attitude and excessive deference, created a sense of discomfort among the opposing counsel, who questioned his underlying strategy. His attempts to be agreeable were transparent.