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possessto own something or have a particular quality

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to own something or have a particular quality

Pronunciation (IPA): /pəˈzes/

Example Sentences

  • My cat seems to possess the magical ability to knock things off tables at 3 AM.
  • He possesses extensive experience in software development.
  • The museum possesses one of the world's finest art collections.

possess

VERB

[/pəˈzes/]

to own something or have a particular quality

She proudly possesses a rare vintage guitar she saved years to buy.
💡 Concept

She proudly possesses a rare vintage guitar she saved years to buy.

Possess the skill to assess, and you'll find success!
🎵 Rhyme

Possess the skill to assess, and you'll find success!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/pəˈzes/
🇬🇧 UK/pəˈzes/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpos--
Rootsess

Origin

From Latin 'possidere' meaning 'to own or occupy,' derived from 'potis' (able, powerful) and 'sedere' (to sit). The word entered English through Old French 'posséder' in the 13th century.

Breakdown

pos- (potent, able) + -sess (from sedere, to sit/settle) = possess (to have settled ownership of something)

🎵Rhyme

assesssuccessexpressaddress
assess
success
express
address

🔗Collocations

possess skills
possess qualities
possess knowledge
possess property
possess the ability
legally possess

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My cat seems to possess the magical ability to knock things off tables at 3 AM.

He possesses extensive experience in software development.

The museum possesses one of the world's finest art collections.

😄 Fun example

She possesses the rare talent of making everyone laugh, even during boring meetings.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

ownhaveholdretainmaintain

Antonyms

lacklosesurrender

Related

possessionpossessivepossessorpropertyownership

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