ingratiates

The word "ingratiates" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "to ingratiate." To ingratiate oneself with someone means to deliberately try to win their favor or approval, often through flattery or by doing things they like. This behavior is typically performed to gain a personal advantage, such as a promotion, a better relationship, or to avoid punishment.

The act of ingratiating oneself can be seen as manipulative or insincere by observers, as it suggests that the person's actions are not genuinely motivated by kindness or respect, but rather by a strategic desire to benefit themselves. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying a level of subservience or pandering that some find distasteful. The goal is to create a positive impression, making the other person feel good about the ingratiating individual, which in turn makes them more amenable to the ingratiator's requests or desires. The success of ingratiation depends heavily on the target's perception and susceptibility to such tactics.