Possessing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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possessing
[pəˈzɛsɪŋ ]
Definition
ownership
Having ownership or control over something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| possessing |
Used in formal settings to indicate ownership or control over something, often intangible like skills or qualities.
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| own |
Emphasizes legal ownership or personal possession of something, often used to stress pride or responsibility.
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| have |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to indicate ownership, possession, or relationships. Informal and flexible, it applies to both tangible and intangible objects.
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| hold |
Often used to indicate physical possession or control, can also imply maintaining a position or status. Has connotations of physical grip or control.
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Examples of usage
- I am possessing a rare collection of stamps.
- She is possessing a great deal of wealth.
- The suspect was found possessing illegal drugs.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychological terms, possessing traits like confidence can heavily influence a person's behavior and decision-making.
- Research shows that the feeling of possessing something can create a sense of safety, affecting our emotional well-being.
- The 'endowment effect' suggests that people value items they own more than identical items they do not own.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, owning land is seen as a sign of stability and wealth.
- The concept of possessing skills or talents is highly valued, leading to personal identity and social status in different societies.
- Some indigenous cultures have contrasting views on possession, often believing that land and nature should be shared rather than owned.
Literature
- Possession is a central theme in many literary works, symbolizing the struggles and desires of characters.
- In poetry, possessing emotions or memories can speak to deeper human experiences and connections.
- The novel 'Possession' by A.S. Byatt explores themes of love, academia, and the pursuit of knowledge between two characters.
Pop Culture
- Possession is a common theme in horror movies, where characters may be taken over by evil spirits.
- In video games, gaining possession of rare items is often tied to player status and achievement.
- The phrase 'possessing your power' is often used in self-help contexts to encourage personal empowerment and growth.
Origin of 'possessing'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'possidere', meaning 'to hold, occupy'.
- In its earliest forms, the word related strongly to the idea of influence or control over land.
- Over time, the meaning expanded to not only include physical ownership but also intangible qualities.
The word 'possessing' originates from the Latin word 'possidere', which means 'to occupy, hold, have, possess'. The term has evolved over time to be used in various contexts related to ownership and control.
See also: dispossess, dispossessed, possess, possessed, possession, possessions, possessive, possessor, possessors, repossess, repossessing, repossession.