Etymology
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prepossessing (adj.)

1640s, "causing bias or prejudice, predisposing the mind to favor," present-participle adjective from prepossess. Opposite meaning "causing agreeable first impression" is attested by 1805.

Entries linking to prepossessing

prepossess (v.)

1610s, "to get possession of (ground or land) beforehand," from pre- "before" + 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, preoccupy the mind or heart of" (1640s). Related: Prepossessed; prepossessing.

unprepossessing (adj.)
1816, from un- (1) "not" + prepossessing (adj.).

updated on October 19, 2020

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Definitions of prepossessing from WordNet

prepossessing (adj.)
creating a favorable impression;
strong and vigorous and of prepossessing appearance
From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near prepossessing

preponderous

preposition

pre-position

prepositional

prepossess

prepossessing

prepossession

preposterous

preppie

preprandial

preprint

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