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Wordabulary

ingratiate

Pronunciation
Verb C1 Advanced

Quick answer

To try deliberately to gain someone's favor or approval, often in a way that seems insincere.

"He spent the whole dinner trying to ingratiate himself with his girlfriend's parents."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

curry favor flatter

Antonyms

Usage notes

Almost always used reflexively, as in "ingratiate himself," "ingratiate herself," or "ingratiate yourself".

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "He spent the whole dinner trying to _____ himself with his girlfriend's parents."

Answer: ingratiate

In your own words, what does "ingratiate" mean?

To try deliberately to gain someone's favor or approval, often in a way that seems insincere.

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