The word "prepossessed" is often misspelled as "preposessed". The correct spelling is /ˌpriːpəˈzest/ (pree-puh-zest). It is important to note the double "s" in the middle of the word, as it is often mistaken for a single "s". "Prepossessed" means to have a favorable opinion or impression about someone or something beforehand. It is commonly used in literature to describe a character who has already been strongly influenced or biased about a certain subject.
The word "prepossessed" refers to the state of being preoccupied or biased in favor of someone or something even before getting to know or understand it properly. It describes a condition where a person's attitude or opinion has already been influenced or formed prior to any objective evaluation. When someone is prepossessed, they are typically inclined to accept or reject ideas, beliefs, individuals, or events based on their preconceived notions or prejudices.
This term is commonly used in social and psychological contexts, indicating a predisposition towards a certain expectation, idea, or outcome. It highlights an individual's tendency to approach new situations, people, or experiences with predetermined judgments or preferences, often without giving them a fair chance for evaluation. It can be seen as a hindrance to impartiality and open-mindedness.
Being prepossessed can limit one's ability to perceive information objectively, as it often leads to selective attention and confirmation bias. It may impede the ability to critically analyze and comprehend new data or opposing viewpoints. However, it is worth noting that being prepossessed is a natural instinct and can be based on previous experiences or cultural influences.
Overall, "prepossessed" refers to a state of preconception or partiality that affects one's perception, judgment, or behavior towards someone or something, often inhibiting an unbiased approach.
Inclined previously to favour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "prepossessed" is derived from the combination of two elements: "pre-" and "possessed".
The prefix "pre-" comes from the Latin word "prae", which means "before" or "in advance". It is used to indicate that something happens or is done before the usual time or order.
The term "possessed" is derived from the Latin word "possidere", which means "to have" or "to hold". Over time, it gained the additional meaning of being under the influence or control of a supernatural entity, like being "possessed" by a spirit.
When these two elements are combined, "prepossessed" suggests being influenced or having a particular opinion formed beforehand or in advance.