prepossessing

[ pree-puh-zes-ing ]

adjective

1. that impresses favorably; engaging or attractive:

   a confident and prepossessing young man.

prepossessing

/ ˌpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ /

adjective

1. creating a favourable impression; attractive

Derived Forms

• ˌpreposˈsessingly, adverb
• ˌpreposˈsessingness, noun

Other Words From

• prepos·sessing·ly adverb
• prepos·sessing·ness noun
• unpre·pos·sessing adjective
• unpre·pos·sessing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prepossessing¹

First recorded in 1635–45; prepossess + -ing ²

Example Sentences

"I'm quite aware that my appearance is not prepossessing," said the Hole-keeper, with a scornful look at the Goblin.

From Project Gutenberg

Now Dabbler was a widower; he was not of prepossessing appearance, and his h's troubled him, but Dabbler was a warm man.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a class of men ever ready to chatter with servants, particularly if they are of prepossessing appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

Here was a foreign woman, of prepossessing appearance, administering sounding osculations to his unwilling fingers.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1846 the chancel, which isn't anything very prepossessing, was added to the church.

From Project Gutenberg