Property: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is commonly used to refer to anything that is owned, including land, buildings, or other possessions. It is a general term and can be used in both legal and everyday conversations.

• She decided to invest in property to secure her family's future.
• The stolen property was recovered by the police.

This word is typically used in the context of large areas of land or significant properties, often associated with wealth or inherited properties. It can also refer to all the assets and liabilities of a deceased person.

• His family owns a vast estate in the countryside.
• After his death, the estate was divided among the heirs.

This word specifically refers to the earth's surface that is owned or used, often in the context of real estate, agriculture, or nature. It is usually more specific than 'property'.

• They bought a piece of land to build their dream house.
• Farmers in the region cultivate their land intensely.

This term is mainly used in financial or legal contexts to refer to assets of any kind, including land, stocks, or other investments that are held by an individual or entity.

• The company's holdings include several tech startups and real estate.
• She reviewed her financial holdings before making any decisions.

Use 'property' when referring to a feature that belongs to something or someone, especially in a scientific, technical, or legal context.

• The magnetic property of this metal makes it unique.
• One important property of water is its ability to dissolve many substances.

Use 'attribute' when talking about a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something, often in discussion about personal traits or qualities.

• Patience is a very valuable attribute for a teacher.
• Creativity is an attribute often found in successful artists.

Use 'quality' when talking about a feature or characteristic, typically one that is good or desirable, of someone or something.

• One important quality of a good leader is empathy.
• The quality of this fabric is outstanding.

Use 'characteristic' when referring to a distinguishing feature or quality that is typical of a person, place, or thing.

• High quality is a characteristic of German engineering.
• One characteristic of his writing is its humor.

Used when referring to something owned by someone, often physical items or real estate.

• She has a beautiful property by the lake.
• This piece of land is my property.

Repeated for completeness. Same as before: used to denote the state or fact of owning something.

• The new legislation affects property ownership.
• He took pride in his ownership of the car.

Highlights the state of having something in one's possession, typically used for physical objects.

• She found his old watch in her possession.
• Make sure you have your tickets in your possession.

Refers to the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

• He lost control of the car.
• She likes to have control over every detail.