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.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

prepositional phrase, prepositional verb, prepositive, prepositor, prepossess, prepossessing, prepossession, preposterous, prepotency, prepotent, prepotential

Origin of prepossessing

First recorded in 1635–45; prepossess + -ing²

Related forms

pre·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 Forms

prepossessingly, 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