What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ingratiating
Example
She had an ingratiating smile on her face as she asked for a favor. [ingratiating: adjective]
Example
He was always ingratiating himself with the boss to get ahead. [ingratiating: verb]
endearing
Example
Her endearing personality made her popular among her colleagues. [endearing: adjective]
Example
The puppy's playful antics were endearing to everyone in the family. [endearing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Endearing is more commonly used than ingratiating in everyday language. Endearing is a positive quality that people naturally possess, while ingratiating is a behavior that people may use to try to gain favor or approval.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ingratiating and endearing?
Both ingratiating and endearing can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, ingratiating may be perceived as more formal due to its negative connotation, while endearing is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
