ingratiate

Definition

To bring oneself into favour with someone by flattering or trying to please them; to insinuate oneself; to worm one's way in.

Etymology

First attested in 1622. From Italian ingraziare or Medieval Latin *ingratiatus, from Latin in grātiam (“for the favor of”).

Example Sentences

• "[H]e considered this offering an homage to his merits, and an attempt on the part of the heiress to ingratiate herself into his priceless affections."
• "[H]e would pat the children on the head when he saw them on the stairs, and ingratiate himself with them as far as he dared."
• "Her name was Michaela, but the men called her filthy things in dulcet, ingratiating voices, and she giggled with childish joy because she understood no English and thought they were flattering her and making harmless jokes."