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Holding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค
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holding

[หˆhษ™สŠldษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

The act of owning or possessing something.

Synonyms

occupation, ownership, possession.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
holding

Refers to the act of keeping or maintaining something. Less common than the financial/investment context.

  • She has been holding the position of manager for five years.
possession

Indicates that someone physically holds or controls something. Can have negative connotations when referring to illegal items.

  • She has possession of the family heirlooms.
  • He was arrested for possession of illegal substances.
ownership

Implies legal rights and control over something, usually property or assets.

  • He took full ownership of the company.
  • The concept of home ownership is very important to many people.
occupation

Refers to the control and use of a place or area, especially in the context of military or work.

  • The country's occupation lasted for several years.
  • Her occupation as a doctor keeps her very busy.

Examples of usage

  • The holding of shares in the company has increased over the past year.
  • The holding of land by the government is a controversial issue.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

The property or land owned by someone.

Synonyms

estate, land, property.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
holding

Typically used in financial and investment contexts to refer to stocks, bonds, or other securities owned by an individual or institution.

  • His investment holdings include numerous tech stocks.
  • The company's holdings are mainly in real estate.
property

A general term for anything owned by an individual or business, including land, buildings, and other assets. Can also refer to a residential or commercial building.

  • She invested in commercial property in the city.
  • All of his personal property was lost in the fire.
estate

Used to describe a large area of land, usually with a large house, or all the money, property, and assets owned by someone, particularly after their death.

  • The family has a large estate in the countryside.
  • His estate was divided among his heirs after his death.
land

Refers to a specific portion of the earth's surface not covered by water, often used in contexts related to agriculture, ownership, or geography.

  • They bought 50 acres of land to build their dream home.
  • The farmer works the land every day.

Examples of usage

  • The landlord demanded the return of his holding.
  • She inherited a large holding of valuable stock.
Context #3 | Noun

sport

The way in which a competitor holds their body during a race or event.

Synonyms

position, posture, stance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
holding

Refers to possession or ownership in business or finance, usually of assets or investments.

  • The company has significant holdings in the tech industry.
  • His holdings in the stock market have increased over the years.
posture

Relates to the way someone holds or positions their body, often reflecting health or attitudes.

  • Good posture is important for avoiding back pain.
  • His posture suggested he was feeling confident.
position

Describes the location or arrangement of someone or something, or a job role or social status.

  • Make sure the chair is in the correct position.
  • She was recently promoted to a managerial position.
stance

Refers to a fixed or firm position on a particular issue, or the way someone stands, especially in sports or martial arts.

  • Her stance on climate change is very clear.
  • He adopted a defensive stance during the match.

Examples of usage

  • Her holding in the final sprint helped her win the race.
  • His holding of the ball was crucial for the team's success.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that physical holding, like hugging, releases oxytocin, also known as the 'love hormone,' promoting bonding.
  • Holding objects can provide a sense of security and comfort, which is often why children hold onto favorite toys during stressful times.
  • In therapy, holding sessions encourage people to express their feelings while physically holding something to represent their emotions.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of holding has been popularized in love songs where feelings are often expressed through the act of holding someone close.
  • In movies, key scenes often revolve around a character holding another, symbolizing protection, love, or conflict.
  • Social media trends often use 'holding' to signify relationships, such as 'holding hands' in cute photos.

Science

  • Holding items in your hand can affect your perception of weightโ€”the heavier something feels, the more we tend to 'hold' onto it mentally.
  • Studies in neuroscience suggest that our brain processes holding objects and people differently, showing its importance in emotional connections.
  • In physics, holding an object involves understanding forces like gravity and friction that help maintain grip.

Literature

  • Writers often use metaphors around 'holding' to express themes of control, love, or restraint in characters' relationships.
  • In poetry, 'holding' can symbolize the fragility of life and possessions, depicting how characters cling to momentary joys.
  • Notable novels often depict moments of holding in pivotal climaxes, such as a character holding onto a letter that changes their fate.

Origin of 'holding'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Holding' comes from the Old English word 'holdan,' which means to hold or keep.
  • The transition from Old English to Middle English led to the abbreviation of 'holdan' to 'hold,' and eventually to 'holding.'
  • In legal contexts, 'holding' refers to a court's decision, showing how language evolves to fit specific needs and areas.

The word 'holding' originated from the Middle English word 'holdyng', which came from the Old English word 'geheald'. It has been used in various contexts over the centuries, evolving to encompass meanings related to ownership, possession, and physical posture. The term has been commonly used in legal, business, and sports settings to refer to different aspects of holding or possessing something.

See also: held, hold, holder, holders, holdings, holdup, uphold, upholding, withhold, withholding.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,092, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.