prepossessing

[ pree-puh-zes-ing ]
/ ˌpri pəˈzɛs ɪŋ /

adjective

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

Origin of prepossessing

First recorded in 1635–45; prepossess + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM prepossessing

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

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

Example sentences from the Web for prepossessing

British Dictionary definitions for prepossessing (1 of 2)

prepossessing
/ (ˌpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ) /

adjective

creating a favourable impression; attractive

Derived forms of prepossessing

prepossessingly, adverb prepossessingness, 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