possessive — showing a desire to own or control someone or something
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: showing a desire to own or control someone or something
Pronunciation (IPA): /pəˈzesɪv/
Example Sentences
- My cat is so possessive that it won't let other cats near its food bowl.
- The possessive form of 'children' is 'children's'.
- He's so possessive of his pizza that he counts each slice before sharing.
possessive
ADJECTIVE[/pəˈzesɪv/]
showing a desire to own or control someone or something

showing a desire to own or control someone or something

When possessive turns aggressive, love becomes excessive!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin possidere, meaning 'to own' or 'to hold in possession'. The term evolved through Medieval Latin to describe the characteristic quality of ownership and control, particularly in reference to territorial and material dominion exercised by feudal nobility.
Breakdown
possess (from Latin possidere, 'to own') + -ive (suffix denoting quality or tendency), literally meaning 'having the quality of owning or holding'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat is so possessive that it won't let other cats near its food bowl.”
“The possessive form of 'children' is 'children's'.”
“He's so possessive of his pizza that he counts each slice before sharing.”
“Her possessive attitude toward her friends drove them away.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.