Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Calculated to please or gain favor: Describes behavior, speech, or a manner that is deliberately designed to win someone's approval, affection, or goodwill.
   • Pleasingly persuasive or intended to persuade: Describes an approach that is subtly convincing and agreeable, often to influence someone's opinion or decision.

Usage and Examples

• As an adjective (describing a manner or tone):
  • He adopted an ingratiatory smile when asking for a favor.
  • The salesperson's ingratiatory comments made the customer feel special.
  • Her ingratiatory approach helped her win over the skeptical committee.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Contextual Use: The term often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the pleasing behavior is strategic, insincere, or obsequious rather than genuinely warm.
  • Despite his ingratiatory charm, many sensed his motives were self-serving.
• Formality: This is a formal and somewhat literary word, more common in written analysis than in everyday conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Ingratiating (adj): Very similar in meaning and more commonly used. It describes behavior intended to gain favor.
  • She gave the manager an ingratiating look.
• Ingratiate (verb): To bring oneself into favor with someone by deliberate effort.
  • He tried to ingratiate himself with his new boss.

Synonyms

• Flattering: Complimentary, especially to gain favor.
• Fawning: Exhibiting exaggerated flattery or affection.
• Obsequious: Obedient or attentive to an excessive degree.
• Sycophantic: Behaving like a sycophant; seeking favor by flattery.
• Wheedling: Using flattery or coaxing to persuade.

Antonyms

• Aloof: Not friendly or forthcoming; distant.
• Brusque: Abrupt or offhand in speech or manner.
• Forthright: Direct and outspoken.
• Disdainful: Showing contempt or lack of respect.

Adjective

1. calculated to please or gain favor
   • a smooth ingratiating manner
2. pleasingly persuasive or intended to persuade
   • a coaxing and obsequious voice
   • her manner is quiet and ingratiatory and a little too agreeable