Definitions
- Referring to the act of trying to win someone's favor or approval through flattery or other means. - Talking about a deliberate attempt to make oneself more likable or appealing to others. - Describing a behavior aimed at gaining social acceptance or advancing one's interests.
- Referring to excessive or insincere flattery or subservience towards someone in a position of power or authority. - Talking about a behavior that involves being overly eager to please or obey someone. - Describing a servile or fawning attitude towards someone perceived as superior.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe behaviors aimed at pleasing or gaining favor from others.
- 2Both words involve flattery or other means of gaining approval.
- 3Both words can be used to describe negative or manipulative behavior.
- 4Both words are associated with social interactions and relationships.
- 5Both words can be seen as insincere or disingenuous.
What is the difference?
- 1Intent: Ingratiation is often motivated by a desire to be liked or accepted, while obsequiousness is often motivated by a desire to gain favor or advantage.
- 2Degree: Obsequiousness is more extreme and excessive than ingratiation, involving a greater degree of subservience and flattery.
- 3Power dynamic: Obsequiousness is typically directed towards someone in a position of power or authority, while ingratiation can be directed towards anyone.
- 4Connotation: Ingratiation can have a neutral or positive connotation, while obsequiousness is almost always negative.
- 5Frequency: Ingratiation is a more common word than obsequiousness in everyday language.
Remember this!
Ingratiation and obsequiousness are both words that describe behaviors aimed at gaining favor or approval from others. However, the difference between them lies in their intent, degree, power dynamic, connotation, and frequency of use. Ingratiation is a more neutral term that describes efforts to be liked or accepted, while obsequiousness is a more negative term that implies excessive flattery and subservience towards someone in a position of power.
