Word: Ingratiatingly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Definition: In a way that is intended to gain someone's favor or approval; often flattering or trying to please someone excessively.
Usage Instructions: You can use "ingratiatingly" when describing how someone acts in a way that seems overly eager to please or win someone over, especially in a professional or social context.
Example Sentence: "She behaves ingratiatingly toward her boss, always complimenting him and agreeing with his ideas, even when she doesn’t really feel that way."
Ingratiatingly is often used in contexts where someone's behavior is perceived as insincere or overly sweet. It can imply that the person is trying too hard to be liked or accepted, which may not be genuine.
The word primarily relates to trying to gain approval through flattery. While it doesn’t have different meanings in different contexts, it can carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the behavior is not sincere.
While "ingratiatingly" itself doesn’t have direct idioms or phrasal verbs, you can use the concept in phrases like: - "Brown-nosing" - This means to flatter someone in a way that is seen as insincere, similar to ingratiating behavior. - "Kissing up" - This is a casual way of saying someone is trying hard to please someone in authority, often to gain favor.
Ingratiatingly describes a manner of behaving that is overly flattering and designed to win approval.