Owners: meaning, definitions and examples

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owners

 

[ˈoʊnərz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

property

People who possess or have legal title to something, such as property or a business.

Synonyms

holders, possessors, proprietors.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
owners

Used broadly for people who have legal possession of something, typically property, businesses, or assets.

  • The owners of the company decided to expand their operations
  • She is the owner of a beautiful house by the lake
proprietors

Often used to describe the owners of small businesses, especially those that are independently owned or family-run.

  • The proprietors of the local café are well-known in the community
  • She is the proud proprietor of a small bookstore
possessors

Refers to someone who has control or occupancy of something, can be used in both legal and informal contexts. Sometimes carries a slightly negative or legalistic tone.

  • He was the possessor of a rare and ancient manuscript
  • The car was seized from its possessor due to unpaid fines
holders

Typically used for someone who has possession of something less permanent or stable, like a credit card, ticket, or title.

  • Ticket holders are entitled to a full refund if the event is canceled
  • He is the current record holder for the fastest marathon

Examples of usage

  • The owners of the company decided to expand their business overseas.
  • The owners of the house are planning to renovate it next year.
Context #2 | Noun

pets

People who have animals as pets and take care of them.

Synonyms

caretakers, guardians, masters.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
owners

This term is generally used to describe someone who legally possesses something, often property, pets, or businesses.

  • The owners of the new restaurant are hosting a grand opening this weekend.
  • Pet owners are responsible for the health and well-being of their animals.
caretakers

This word refers to people who look after someone or something, often temporarily or in a protective capacity. It is common in contexts involving care for people, animals, or properties.

  • The caretakers of the elderly residents make sure all their needs are met.
  • A caretaker is looking after the mansion while the owners are abroad.
guardians

Guardians have a legal responsibility to care for another person, usually a minor or someone unable to take care of themselves. This term can also be used to describe protectors or defenders in a broader sense.

  • The court appointed her as the legal guardian of her younger brother.
  • In mythology, guardians often protect sacred or valuable places.
masters

This term traditionally refers to a person having control or supremacy over others, often associated with mastery over subjects, skills, or people. It has a potentially negative connotation in historical contexts related to slavery or servitude but can be neutral or positive when referring to expertise.

  • He is a master of martial arts, having trained for many years.
  • In historical contexts, 'master' was often used to refer to the owner of slaves.

Examples of usage

  • The owners of the dog take it for a walk every morning.
  • The cat's owners feed it with special food.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English term 'agan', meaning 'to own' or 'to possess'.
  • Related words in other languages, like 'proprietor' in French, show how this concept of ownership is universal.

Business & Economics

  • In business, owners play a crucial role in decision-making and direction of a company.
  • Ownership can be shared among many people, as seen in partnerships or corporations, affecting how decisions are made.

Legal Aspects

  • Ownership rights can vary widely around the world, influenced by different laws and customs.
  • In many places, owners are protected by laws that secure their property from theft or damage.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique views on ownership, with some emphasizing communal ownership over personal possession.
  • In indigenous cultures, the idea of ownership may involve stewardship of land and resources rather than absolute control.

Psychology

  • The sense of ownership can significantly affect a person's emotions and identity, often leading to attachment to objects or places.
  • Studies suggest that people’s feelings of ownership can enhance their desire to protect their possessions, even when ownership is in question.

Translations

Translations of the word "owners" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proprietários

🇮🇳 मालिकों

🇩🇪 Eigentümer

🇮🇩 pemilik

🇺🇦 власники

🇵🇱 właściciele

🇯🇵 所有者

🇫🇷 propriétaires

🇪🇸 propietarios

🇹🇷 sahipler

🇰🇷 소유자

🇸🇦 المالكون

🇨🇿 vlastníci

🇸🇰 vlastníci

🇨🇳 所有者

🇸🇮 lastniki

🇮🇸 eigendur

🇰🇿 иелері

🇬🇪 მფლობელები

🇦🇿 sahiblər

🇲🇽 propietarios

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,014, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.