Owning: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to having legal ownership of something, usually property or businesses.

• She is owning several properties in the city
• Owning a company comes with many responsibilities

Similar to owning but often used in a more formal or legal context, can also imply control over abstract qualities like skills or knowledge.

• He is possessing a rare collection of stamps
• She is possessing great talent in music

More general, can refer to possessing, experiencing, or consuming something.

• She is having dinner right now
• They are having a great time at the party

Used when physically grasping something or in certain official capacities or events.

• He is holding a book in his hand
• They are holding a meeting to discuss the issue

(Duplicate entry) See above.

Use in situations where you are agreeing to receive or do something willingly. Also applies to emotional or intellectual agreement.

• She is accepting the job offer
• Accepting the truth can sometimes be hard

Use when recognizing the existence or fact of something, often in a formal or courteous way.

• He is acknowledging her contribution to the project
• Acknowledging the problem is the first step to solving it

Use in serious situations where someone admits to being responsible for something, often an error or duty.

• She is taking responsibility for the team's failure
• The CEO took responsibility for the company's losses