Owning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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owning

[หˆoสŠnษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

possession

Having something as one's own.

Synonyms

having, holding, possessing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
owning

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
possessing

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
having

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
holding

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

Examples of usage

  • She enjoys owning a small business.
  • He takes pride in owning a vintage car.
Context #2 | Verb

responsibility

Accepting responsibility for something.

Synonyms

accepting, acknowledging, taking responsibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
owning

(Duplicate entry) See above.

accepting

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
acknowledging

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
taking responsibility

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

Examples of usage

  • She is owning up to her mistake.
  • He is owning his role in the project's failure.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, owning property is associated with status and stability, highlighting the importance of ownership in societal roles.
  • The concept of owning can represent individuality and self-identity, especially in contexts of personal space and belongings.
  • In modern consumer culture, owning items is strongly tied to personal success and fulfillment.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that ownership can increase one's sense of value and attachment to an object, often leading to higher satisfaction.
  • People often feel a sense of pride and accomplishment linked to the things they own, positively impacting their self-esteem.
  • The 'endowment effect' suggests that when people own something, they often value it higher than items they do not own.

Literature

  • Ownership is a common theme in literature, often used to explore power dynamics, such as in Shakespeare's works featuring land and title ownership.
  • Many authors examine the emotional connections characters have to their possessions, revealing deeper insights into their personalities.
  • The idea of ownership is intertwined with identity in various narratives, showing how belonging shapes experiences and choices.

Pop Culture

  • Popular songs often celebrate the idea of owning one's destiny and decisions, highlighting themes of empowerment.
  • In movies, ownership may symbolize control over one's life, showcased in character arcs that involve reclaiming lost possessions or rights.
  • Social media has transformed how we view ownership, with 'owning' becoming synonymous with expressing individual identity through curated content.

Origin of 'owning'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'own' traces back to Old English 'agan,' meaning 'to possess or have,' connecting to feelings of belonging.
  • The word evolved through Middle English, where 'own' was used to mean one's personal property.
  • It reflects a sense of responsibility as well as possession, locking in both ownership and personal ties to the item.

The word 'owning' is derived from the Old English word 'ฤgenian', which means 'to possess'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Middle English. The concept of ownership has been an essential part of human society, dating back to early civilizations where land ownership played a significant role in power dynamics and social structures. Today, owning has expanded beyond physical possessions to include intellectual property and digital assets.


See also: disown, own, owner, ownerless, owners, unowned.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,384 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.