Dictionary monolingual
English
Possess
pəˈzɛs
Very common
~ 2200
~ 2200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Possess -
To have or own something
Example: She possesses a rare collection of vintage stamps.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional discussions
Note: Commonly used in legal contexts to refer to ownership.
To have a particular quality or characteristic
Example: He possesses great intelligence and creativity.
Usage: formalContext: describing personal attributes or skills
Note: Often used in formal writing to convey admiration or respect.
To control or dominate something
Example: The dictator possessed absolute power over the country.
Usage: formalContext: discussions about authority or influence
Note: Can also imply a negative connotation of exerting undue influence.
Possess's synonyms
own
To have something as your own property or possession.
Example: She owns a beautiful house in the countryside.
Note: Similar to 'possess' but often implies a sense of ownership or control.
have
To be in possession or ownership of something.
Example: I have a collection of rare stamps.
Note: Broad term that can refer to possession, ownership, or simply the act of having something.
hold
To have or keep something in one's grasp or control.
Example: He holds a key position in the company.
Note: Can imply a more active or deliberate act of possession or control.
retain
To keep possession or use of something.
Example: The company retained its top employees during the restructuring.
Note: Often used in the context of keeping something that might otherwise be lost or given up.
keep
To have or retain possession of something.
Example: I keep a spare set of keys in case I lose the original.
Note: Focuses on the act of maintaining possession or control over time.
Possess expressions, common phrases
Possessive
Showing a strong desire to own or control something, often excessively.
Example: She is very possessive of her belongings.
Note: Derived from 'possess', but focuses more on the attitude or behavior of wanting to possess rather than the act of possessing itself.
Possession is nine-tenths of the law
Whoever physically holds something or has control over it is in a stronger position than someone who merely has a claim.
Example: He claimed that possession is nine-tenths of the law in the dispute over the property.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the importance of physical ownership or control over legal rights or claims.
Possess the ability
To have or own a particular skill, quality, or characteristic.
Example: She possesses the ability to learn languages quickly.
Note: Focuses on having a specific skill or quality rather than physical possession of an object.
Possess oneself of
To acquire or take possession of something, especially through effort or cunning.
Example: He managed to possess himself of the confidential documents.
Note: Emphasizes the act of acquiring or obtaining something through deliberate action or strategy.
Possession obsession
An extreme preoccupation with owning or acquiring material goods.
Example: His possession obsession led him to collect rare artifacts from around the world.
Note: Combines 'possession' with 'obsession' to highlight an intense fixation on acquiring possessions.
Possession is a delicate matter
Ownership or control of something can be sensitive or complicated, especially in certain contexts.
Example: In their culture, possession is a delicate matter when it comes to family heirlooms.
Note: Acknowledges the nuanced and intricate nature of ownership, particularly in cultural or personal contexts.
Possessive pronoun
A pronoun that shows ownership or possession of something.
Example: In 'his car,' 'his' is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership.
Note: Relates to grammar and language structure, indicating possession through pronouns rather than physical items.
Possess everyday (slang) expressions
Got
In informal spoken English, 'got' is often used instead of 'have' to express possession.
Example: I've got two tickets to the concert.
Note: The term 'got' is more casual and commonly used in spoken language compared to 'possess'.
Holding
This slang term is used to indicate someone is in possession of something.
Example: He's holding the keys for me.
Note: Using 'holding' implies a temporary possession or responsibility rather than a permanent ownership.
Score
To 'score' something means to obtain or possess it, often with a sense of success or excitement.
Example: I scored a new laptop in the sale.
Note: The term 'score' is more informal and implies obtaining something unexpectedly or with luck.
Bag
To 'bag' something means to acquire or possess it, often with a sense of accomplishment.
Example: She's just bagged herself a promotion at work.
Note: Using 'bag' adds a sense of achievement or success to the act of possession.
Cop
In slang, 'cop' is used to mean acquire or possess something.
Example: I copped the latest sneakers yesterday.
Note: Using 'cop' is more informal and can imply obtaining something through effort or skill.
Possess - Examples
I possess a lot of knowledge about history.
She doesn't own a car, but she possesses a bike.
The company possesses a large amount of data.
Possess grammar
Possess - Verb (Verb) / Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present)
Lemma: possess
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): possessed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): possessing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): possesses
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): possess
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): possess
Syllables, Separation and Stress
possess Contains 2 syllables: pos • sess
Phonetic transcription: pə-ˈzes
pos sess , pə ˈzes (The red syllable is stressed)
Possess - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
possess: ~ 2200 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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