possess
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to have or own something; to have as a quality or attribute.
To have control or power over someone or something (e.g., an emotion possesses someone); to occupy or dominate the mind; (in law) to have as property; (of a demon or spirit) to take control of (a person).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a stronger, more definitive, or more inherent relationship than the simpler 'have' or 'own'. It can suggest a quality that is an intrinsic part of someone/something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. The verb is used identically.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties than 'have' or 'own'.
Frequency
Used with roughly equal frequency in both varieties, primarily in written and formal spoken contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + possess + OBJ (He possesses great patience.)Be possessed by/with + NOUN (He was possessed by jealousy.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “possessed by/with (an emotion)”
- “like a man/woman possessed (acting with extreme energy/focus)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used formally for assets, qualities, or intellectual property: 'The company possesses valuable patents.'
Academic
Common for describing attributes, characteristics, or knowledge: 'The species possesses unique adaptive traits.'
Everyday
Less common than 'have' or 'got', used for emphasis or specific ownership: 'You need to possess a valid ticket.'
Technical
Used in legal contexts (possession), biology (traits), and computing (properties).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He doesn't possess a television licence.
- The player possesses remarkable composure on the ball.
- To enter the country, you must possess a valid visa.
American English
- He doesn't possess a driver's license.
- The team possesses a deep roster of talent.
- You need to possess a Social Security Number for the application.
adjective
British English
- The possessed doll was the subject of the horror film.
- He played with possessed intensity during the final match.
American English
- The possessed house was featured in the documentary.
- She worked with possessed focus to finish the project on time.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He wants to possess a big dog.
- I possess two red pencils.
- You must possess a ticket to travel.
- She possesses a very kind heart.
- The candidate possesses all the necessary qualifications for the role.
- A sudden fear possessed him as he entered the dark room.
- The theory posits that humans possess an innate capacity for language.
- He was possessed by an overwhelming desire to succeed, driving him relentlessly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a boss (sounds like 'poss-') who HAS or OWNS everything. The BOSS POSSesses the company.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITIES/IDEAS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE OWNED (e.g., 'He possesses wisdom.'). EMOTIONS/SPIRITS ARE POSSESSING AGENTS (e.g., 'Fear possessed her.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'обладать' in overly formal contexts where 'have' is more natural. English 'possess' is more specific than the broad Russian 'иметь'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'I am possessing a car.' (Simple present 'I possess' or 'I have' is correct; continuous forms are rare).
- Confusing spelling: double 's' in the middle and end.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'possess' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Possess' is more formal and often implies inherent ownership or a defining quality. 'Have' is more general and common.
Almost never. 'Possess' is a stative verb describing a state, not an action, so simple tenses are used.
The main noun forms are 'possession' (the state of owning or the thing owned) and 'possessor' (the one who owns).
It describes someone controlled by a spirit, demon, or strong emotion, or someone showing extreme intensity (e.g., 'He fought like a man possessed.').