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Glite Dictionary
prepossessing

prepossessing

8.2
Having a pleasant look or manner that gives a good first impression
  • adjective
  • /ˌpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/
translation icon : atractivo
  • Other objects in the exhibition may be less prepossessing, but their impact can likewise be immense.

Examples

  • As personified in the myths, love is an UN prepossessing little Wretch who flits about in afflicting affection upon mismatched pairs of gods and mortals.

  • The garden, with its vibrant flowers and neat paths, was a prepossessing sight.

  • It is not a particularly prepossessing place even now.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • It was not a very prepossessing example of the printer's art, to be sure.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • But if we zoom in on this very prepossessing sort of peaking and expand it, you can see that there's a huge amount of detail.

  • Cletus MacEwan was Emma's most dedicated and physically prepossessing suitor, but he was also the most lacking in common sense.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • Huge studded metal doors lead to an equally prepossessing two-story atrium presided over by a life-size statue of Jesus.

    Academic text (1994)

  • The prepossessing actress captured everyone's attention with her charming smile.

  • His prepossessing manner made a strong impression on the interview panel.

Synonyms

flattering
vsprepossessing
24 3.1

Making someone or something look more attractive

is a natural appealing quality, not an enhanced presentation
beguiling
vsprepossessing
7 7.4

Attractive in a way that makes you trust someone who then tricks you

is sincere in its appeal and does not mislead
fetching
vsprepossessing
2 4.8

Attractive in a way that makes people notice it

is about creating a general favorable impression rather than grabbing attention

Antonyms

repulsive
59 5.5

Causing strong dislike or disgust, like a very bad smell

unattractive
37 1.8

Not pleasant to look at or to the senses

How Attractive

stunning
210 3.7
captivating
14 4.2
charming
418 1.0
prepossessing
8.2
attractive
680 1.0
pleasing
63 2.0

Surface Forms

prepossessing positive
prepossessinger comparative
prepossessest superlative

Morphology

prepossessing = prepossess (transparent) = prepossess + ing

The adjective is formed by the regular adjectival/participial suffix '-ing' on the verb 'prepossess', so knowing the verb yields the meaning.

Etymology

The word prepossessing comes from pre- meaning 'before' and possess meaning 'to take or have'. So, something prepossessing 'takes hold' of you before you think and makes a good first impression.