'ingratiate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ingratiari,' where 'in-' meant 'in' and 'gratia' meant 'favor.'

'ingratiari' transformed into the Italian word 'ingraziare,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ingratiate' through Middle French 'ingratiation.'

Initially, it meant 'to bring oneself into favor,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.