Attractive enough in appearance or manner to create an immediate favorable impression.
Reach for it when describing someone or something whose first effect is quietly appealing
The prepossessing shopfront combined green tiles with a broad oak door.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
everyday
Fits when broad visual or personal appeal is all that needs saying
Careful Attractive does not specifically concern a first impression.
warm
Suits a manner that readily holds friendly attention
Careful Engaging emphasizes interaction and personality rather than appearance.
warm
Fits if charm quickly earns goodwill
Careful Winning concerns the effect on others and may sound patronizing about appearance.
professional
appealing
Fits if the subject invites interest or liking through several qualities
Careful Appealing can describe an idea or offer with no visual element.
literary
Fits when dignified physical attractiveness suits an older register
Careful Comely is archaic to many readers and mainly applies to people.
prepossessing appearance
The cottage's prepossessing appearance concealed a thoroughly modern interior.
prepossessing manner
His prepossessing manner helped nervous applicants settle into conversation.
prepossessing building
A prepossessing building of pale brick anchors the renovated square.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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