prepossessing

[ pree-puh-zes-ing ]

/ ˌpri pəˈzɛs ɪŋ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR prepossessing ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

that impresses favorably; engaging or attractive: a confident and prepossessing young man.

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Nearby words

Origin of prepossessing

First recorded in 1635–45; prepossess + -ing²

Related formspre·pos·sess·ing·ly, adverbpre·pos·sess·ing·ness, nounun·pre·pos·sess·ing, adjectiveun·pre·pos·sess·ing·ly, adverb

Definition for prepossessing (2 of 2)

prepossess

[ pree-puh-zes ]

/ ˌpri pəˈzɛs /

verb (used with object)

to possess or dominate mentally beforehand, as a prejudice does.

to prejudice or bias, especially favorably.

to impress favorably beforehand or at the outset.

Origin of prepossess

First recorded in 1605–15; pre- + possess

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for prepossessing

His combined features were commanding and prepossessing, his physiognomy indicating a gigantic intellect.
Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution|L. Carroll Judson
Of all the planned Sundays which were to be so full of joy and delight, and the whole friendship with the prepossessing Erick?
Erick and Sally|Johanna Spyri
He was a tall, spare man, with rugged, but yet prepossessing features.
The Rise of Canada, from Barbarism to Wealth and Civilisation|Charles Roger
It was variously received by the audience, many of whose countenances were far from prepossessing.
The Expedition to Borneo of H.M.S. Dido|Henry Keppel

There is something so prepossessing about him, that really I defy any one not to like him.
Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland|Various

British Dictionary definitions for prepossessing (1 of 2)

prepossessing

/ (ˌpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ) /

adjective

creating a favourable impression; attractive

Derived Formsprepossessingly, adverbprepossessingness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for prepossessing (2 of 2)

prepossess

/ (ˌpriːpəˈzɛs) /

verb (tr)

to preoccupy or engross mentally

to influence in advance for or against a person or thing; prejudice; bias

to make a favourable impression on beforehand

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for prepossessing (1 of 2)

prepossessing

adj.

1640s, "causing prejudice," present participle adjective from prepossess. Opposite meaning "causing agreeable first impression" first recorded 1805.

Word Origin and History for prepossessing (1 of 2)

prepossess

1610s, "to get possession of beforehand," from pre- + possess. Meaning "to possess (a person) beforehand with a feeling, notion, etc." is from 1630s; specifically, "to cause (someone) to have a favorable opinion of something" (1640s). Related: Prepossessed; prepossessing.