Own Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
own
[oสn ]
Definitions
possession
To have something as one's own.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| own |
Used when someone legally has ownership of something, typically in a formal or legal setting.
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| possess |
Often used in formal or literary contexts to indicate ownership, typically of something valuable or unique. Can also have a negative connotation when referring to being controlled by an emotion or spirit.
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| have |
A general term used to indicate possession or ownership of something. It is very versatile and can be used in most casual and formal contexts.
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| hold |
Used to convey physical possession or maintaining a grasp on something. Can also imply holding an office or a position of responsibility.
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| control |
Implies having the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events. Often used in a managerial or authoritative context.
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Examples of usage
- I own a car.
- She owns a house.
- Do you own this book?
ownership
Belonging to oneself or itself.
Synonyms
exclusive, individual, personal, private.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| own |
Used to indicate possession, usually when emphasizing the ownership or when contrasting with others.
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| personal |
Typically refers to something private or specific to a person, often indicating a close, intimate relationship or details.
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| individual |
Used to describe something specific to one person, often highlighting uniqueness or separate identity.
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| private |
Relates to something kept or intended for an individual or restricted group, often implying secrecy or limited access.
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| exclusive |
Refers to something limited to a specific group or person, often implying uniqueness or privilege.
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Examples of usage
- The house is now my own.
- He has his own business.
- She bought her own ticket.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In law, owning something comes with rights and responsibilities, meaning you can control it but also must take care of it.
- Different cultures have various laws about ownership, especially concerning land and property.
- Intellectual property laws protect ownership of creations, like books and inventions.
Philosophy
- Philosophers debate whether people truly own themselves and their choices, raising questions about freedom and autonomy.
- Existentialists argue that 'owning' one's life involves taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions.
- The concept of ownership can extend to ideas and identities, exploring personal authenticity.
Pop Culture
- Songs often capture ownership in relationships โ one might say they 'own' their love or emotions.
- Popular sayings like 'Own your truth' emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and confidence.
- Movies frequently explore themes of ownership, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of having power over oneโs life.
Psychology
- Feeling ownership can give individuals a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
- The endowment effect explains how people tend to value items they own more highly than those they do not.
- Studies show that owning possessions can influence one's decision-making and emotional well-being.
Origin of 'own'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Old English term 'agan', which means 'to possess'.
- The meaning has evolved over centuries, but the core idea of possession remained.
- In Middle English, it appeared as 'owen', further reflecting ownership concepts.
The word 'own' originates from the Old English word 'ฤgen', which means 'possessed, owned, or held'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, with the meaning of possession or ownership. The concept of ownership has been integral to human societies throughout history, with various legal and cultural implications.
See also: disown, owner, ownerless, owners, owning, unowned.