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posséder
/pɔ.se.de/
to own
Il possède une belle maison à la campagne.
He owns a beautiful house in the countryside.
general
To have ownership or control over something or someone.
Elle possède plusieurs propriétés immobilières.
She owns several real estate properties.
Il possède une grande collection de livres anciens.
He owns a large collection of old books.
Can be used for tangible objects, property, or even abstract concepts like knowledge or skills.
general
To have a particular quality, characteristic, or ability.
Ce pays possède de grandes ressources naturelles.
This country has great natural resources.
Il possède un talent exceptionnel pour la musique.
He has an exceptional talent for music.
In this sense, it is often used with abstract nouns.
informal
To have sexual relations with someone.
Il a possédé plusieurs femmes dans sa vie.
He has had sexual relations with several women in his life.
This meaning is considered vulgar and should be used with caution.
Collocations
posséder quelque choseto own somethingposséder une qualitéto have a qualityposséder un talentto have a talent
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Usage
Use 'posséder' in formal contexts to describe ownership or control. In informal contexts, it can also refer to having a particular quality or ability.
Gold Rule
Avoid Vulgar Usage
The vulgar sense of 'posséder' should be avoided in polite conversation.
Word Origin
From Old French 'posseder', from Latin 'possidēre', from 'potis' (able) + 'sedēre' (to sit). The original sense was 'to sit as master of' or 'to have power over'.
Usage Notes
The verb 'posséder' is often used in formal contexts to describe ownership or control. In informal contexts, it can also refer to having a particular quality or ability. The vulgar sense should be avoided in polite conversation.
Word Breakdown
pos-
power, ability
prefix-séder
to sit
rootDictionnaire Français-Anglais