Prepossessed: meaning, definitions and examples
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prepossessed
[ ˌpriːpəˈzɛst ]
state of mind
Prepossessed refers to a state of being influenced or affected by preexisting notions, biases, or judgments. It often implies a strong inclination towards a particular perspective due to previous experiences or beliefs, which can cloud one’s judgment. This term is used particularly in contexts where a person’s preconceived ideas strongly shape their interpretation of new information or experiences.
Synonyms
biased, influenced, predisposed.
Examples of usage
- He was prepossessed by his initial impression of the candidate.
- She found it hard to remain objective, as she was prepossessed by her previous encounters.
- The audience was prepossessed with historical events that influenced their reaction.
Translations
Translations of the word "prepossessed" in other languages:
🇵🇹 preocupado
🇮🇳 पूर्वाग्रहित
🇩🇪 vorbesetzt
🇮🇩 terpengaruh
🇺🇦 забобонний
🇵🇱 uprzedzony
🇯🇵 先入観を持った
🇫🇷 préjugé
🇪🇸 prejuiciado
🇹🇷 ön yargılı
🇰🇷 편견이 있는
🇸🇦 متحيز
🇨🇿 předpojatý
🇸🇰 predpojatý
🇨🇳 偏见的
🇸🇮 predsodkovit
🇮🇸 fordómaður
🇰🇿 алданған
🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველი
🇦🇿 ön yargılı
🇲🇽 prejuiciado
Etymology
The term 'prepossessed' derives from the prefix 'pre-', meaning 'before', and 'possess', which comes from the Latin 'possidere', meaning 'to hold' or 'to occupy'. Thus, etymologically, it can be interpreted as 'to hold beforehand.' Historically, it has been used to describe states of mind or situations where an individual’s thoughts or feelings are dominated by previous experiences or biases. The usage of 'prepossessed' has evolved over time, and it is often seen in literary contexts to illustrate characters whose perceptions are already shaped, influencing their decisions and emotions. This nuanced understanding of the word allows for rich interpretation in psychological and sociocultural discussions.