Having: meaning, definitions and examples

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having

[ˈhavɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

Possess, own, or hold. To be in a specific state or condition.

Synonyms

experience, hold, own, possess, undergo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
having	Used for possessing something or being in a particular situation. Having a car makes commuting easier. She is having a good time at the party.
possess	Used in formal contexts to indicate ownership or having control over something, often implying a certain level of formality or permanence. He possesses great wealth. She possesses a rare talent.
own	Used when referring to having outright possession or ownership of something. She owns a beautiful house. Do you own a smartphone?
hold	Used when referring to physically keeping something in hand or having a meeting/event. Can also mean to have a particular opinion or belief. She is holding a bouquet of flowers. We will hold the meeting at 10 AM. He holds strong beliefs about climate change.
experience	Used when referring to encountering or undergoing events or situations, particularly those that impact deeply or contribute to personal growth. She has a lot of experience in teaching. They shared their travel experiences.
undergo	Used when referring to experiencing or enduring a process, usually one that is challenging or involves change. The patient had to undergo surgery. They decided to undergo a renovation of their home.

Examples of usage

I am having a great time at the party.
She is having a difficult day at work.
We are having dinner at a fancy restaurant tonight.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

usage

A particular state or condition of being.

Synonyms

circumstance, condition, situation, state, status.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
having	Used to express possession or ownership. It generally describes the act of possessing something. She is having a great time at the party. Having a pet can be a wonderful experience.
state	Describes a particular condition or way of being at a specific time. It could refer to physical, mental, or emotional conditions. He was in a state of shock after the accident. The current state of the economy is worrisome.
condition	Describes the state of something or someone, often referring to health, quality, or environment. It can also mean the requirements that must be met for something to happen. The car is in excellent condition. The terms and conditions of the agreement are outlined in this document.
status	Refers to the current situation or standing of something, often in terms of social or professional position. It describes an official or recognized position or condition. Her marital status is single. He checked his application status online.
situation	Refers to a set of circumstances or the way things are at a particular moment. It is often used to discuss the broader context or environment. We need to assess the situation before making a decision. Her personal situation has improved since last year.
circumstance	Refers to specific conditions or facts affecting a situation. It often describes the external factors that influence an event or outcome. Given the current economic circumstances, it’s hard to find a job. Many circumstances led to the decision to cancel the event.

Examples of usage

She was in the having of a peaceful mind.
The having of a positive attitude is important for success.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'having' comes from Old English 'habban,' which means 'to possess or hold.'
In Middle English, the form 'haven' was used, showing the evolution of language over centuries.
The '-ing' suffix indicates a continuous action, emphasizing ongoing possession or experience.

Grammar

'Having' is often used as a gerund, allowing it to function as a noun in sentences.
In English, people commonly use 'having' in phrases like 'having fun' or 'having a good time' to describe activities.
It also appears in perfect tenses, such as 'I have eaten,' showing completed actions.

Cultural Context

In many cultures, the concept of 'having' can signify wealth and success, influencing how society views individuals.
The idea of 'having' influences social behavior, often tied to material possessions and identity.
Philosophical debates often explore the difference between 'having' and 'being', questioning what truly matters in life.

Psychology

Research shows that people equate 'having' with happiness, even though true contentment often comes from experiences, not possessions.
The 'hedonic treadmill' concept suggests that after achieving what one 'has', the happiness fades, and new desires arise.
Studies indicate that people can derive satisfaction from 'having' relationships and connections rather than just material goods.

Literature

'Having' features prominently in many literary themes, often relating to desire, loss, and personal growth.
Writers use 'having' to contrast what characters possess versus what they truly need or want in emotional and physical contexts.
Famous poems often explore the nuances of 'having' love or companionship, revealing the depth of human experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "having" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tendo

🇮🇳 होना

रखना
प्राप्त करना

🇩🇪 haben

🇮🇩 memiliki

🇺🇦 мати

🇵🇱 posiadanie

🇯🇵 持っている (もっている)

🇫🇷 avoir

🇪🇸 teniendo

🇹🇷 sahip olmak

🇰🇷 가지고 있는

🇸🇦 امتلاك

🇨🇿 mít

🇸🇰 mať

🇨🇳 拥有 (yǒngyǒu)

🇸🇮 imeti

🇮🇸 að eiga

🇰🇿 иелену

🇬🇪 ფლობა (floba)

🇦🇿 sahib olmaq

🇲🇽 teniendo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #158, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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155 off
156 means
157 data
158 having
159 value
160 taken
161 give
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