possession

/pəˈzɛʃən/
nounIntermediate
general

The state of having or owning something

The athlete's possession of the ball was crucial for the team's victory.

Having control of the ball was important for the team to win.

💡

Can refer to physical objects, abstract concepts, or legal rights.

general

A thing that is owned or possessed

His most prized possession was his grandfather's pocket watch.

The item he valued most was his grandfather's pocket watch.

💡

Often used to describe something valuable or meaningful to someone.

⚖️Law
legal

The act of taking control or ownership

The court granted possession of the property to the rightful heirs.

The legal decision gave ownership of the property to the heirs.

💡

In legal contexts, possession often refers to the right to use or control something.

Collocations

take possessionto gain control or ownership of somethinglose possessionto no longer have control or ownershipin possession ofhaving or holding something

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

possession is nine-tenths of the lawproverb
having physical control of something often gives you legal rights to it

💡Pro Tip

Legal vs. everyday use

In legal contexts, possession often refers to the right to use or control something, while in everyday language, it can imply a sense of belonging or attachment.

Gold Rule

Possession vs. ownership

Possession refers to having or holding something, while ownership refers to the legal right to something.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English possessioun, from Old French possession, from Latin possessio, from possidere (to possess).

📝Usage Notes

In legal contexts, possession can refer to both physical control and legal ownership. In everyday language, it often implies a sense of belonging or attachment.

Word Breakdown

possess
to have or own
root
+
-ion
the state or condition of
suffix
English Dictionary