Possess: Definition and Synonyms
Possess – Definition and Part of Speech
The verb “possess” means to have or own something, whether physically, legally, or emotionally. It can imply having control over an object or quality. As a versatile verb, “possess” can take various grammatical forms: the base form (“to possess”), present tense (“possesses”), past tense and past participle (“possessed”), and gerund or present participle form (“possessing”).
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
Below is a table highlighting key synonyms for “possess,” each accompanied by a brief definition, example sentence, and the style/register of their use:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Own | To have legal ownership or title over something. | “She owns a beautiful collection of art.” | General/Formal |
| Have | To hold, keep, or contain something. | “He has three dogs in his apartment.” | Informal/Formal |
| Control | To exercise authority or power over someone/something. | “The company controls many resources globally.” | Business/Technical |
| Maintain | To retain possession of; to continue holding onto. | “They maintain a garden full of exotic plants.” | Formal/Academic |
| Hold | To keep in one’s hand, grasp, or have something. | “She holds a rare map of the old city.” | Informal/Colloquial |
Usage Notes
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Own: This synonym is most applicable in contexts involving legal ownership and property rights, making it suitable for formal and business writing.
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Have: “Have” is an extremely versatile term used across all styles—from casual conversation to academic texts—to denote possession without implying legal ownership.
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Control: Typically found in business or technical environments, “control” emphasizes power dynamics and the ability to influence outcomes rather than mere physical possession.
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Maintain: This term often appears in formal writing where there’s a focus on continuing to hold something over time. It suggests sustained effort.
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Hold: More commonly used in everyday speech, “hold” indicates direct physical possession or temporary keeping of an object.
Common Pitfalls
A common confusion arises when distinguishing between “control” and “own.” While both imply some level of authority, “control” doesn’t necessarily mean ownership; one can control a situation without owning any part of it. Similarly, “have” might be misused when specificity is needed; for example, “own” would clarify legal or permanent possession.
Final Recap
To effectively expand your vocabulary around the concept of “possess,” consider using synonyms like “own,” “have,” “control,” “maintain,” and “hold.” Each carries subtle nuances that fit different contexts—whether you are writing formally about property, discussing ownership informally with friends, or analyzing control dynamics in a corporate environment. Practicing these terms in various settings can enhance your understanding and mastery of their usage.
Encourage readers to actively practice by crafting sentences using these synonyms. Experimenting within diverse scenarios, from business meetings to casual dialogues, will solidify the distinctions and appropriate applications of each term.