possession: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common across all registers.
Quick answer
What does “possession” mean?
The state of having or owning something, or the thing that is owned.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state of having or owning something, or the thing that is owned.
The condition of being under the control of a spirit, emotion, or influence; in law, physical control of property; in sports, control of the ball or puck.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly the same in meaning and usage. The 'nine-tenths of the law' saying is common in both. The UK often uses 'in possession of' slightly more formally. The US may more readily use 'possessions' for personal belongings.
Connotations
Identical. 'Possession' regarding spirits/demons has the same cultural weight.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties. Sports usage ('ball possession') is equally common.
Grammar
How to Use “possession” in a Sentence
have possession of Nbe in possession of Ntake possession of Ncome into possession of NN is in the possession of XVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “possession” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was charged with possessing an offensive weapon.
- The family possesses a great deal of land in Scotland.
American English
- He was charged with possessing an illegal firearm.
- The corporation possesses vast mineral rights.
adverb
British English
- He held the trophy possessively.
- She looked at her notes possessively.
American English
- He clung possessively to his ideas.
- The dog growled possessively over its bone.
adjective
British English
- She has a very possessive nature.
- The possessive form of 'child' is 'child's'.
American English
- He's jealous and possessive.
- Check the document's possessive apostrophe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to assets, property, or intellectual property held by a company.
Academic
Used in legal studies (property law), anthropology (material culture), psychology (possessive behaviour), and literary analysis (themes of ownership).
Everyday
Talking about personal belongings, houses, or controlling the ball in a game.
Technical
In law: 'adverse possession'. In football: 'possession statistics'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “possession”
- Misspelling as 'possesion' (one 's'). Incorrect preposition: 'on possession' instead of 'in possession'. Using as a verb ('I possession a car') instead of the verb 'possess'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ownership is the legal right to something. Possession is the physical control of it. You can possess something you don't own (e.g., a rented car), and own something you don't possess (e.g., a house with tenants).
It can be both. Uncountable when referring to the state/act (He was charged with possession). Countable when referring to items owned (She packed her few possessions).
It means 'to have or hold something'. It often implies control or ownership at that moment (The suspect was in possession of a stolen wallet).
It's a key concept in property law. 'Actual possession' means physical control. 'Constructive possession' means the power and intent to control something, even if not physically held. 'Adverse possession' allows someone to claim ownership of land by occupying it for a long period.
The state of having or owning something, or the thing that is owned.
Possession is usually neutral to formal; common across all registers. in register.
Possession: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈzeʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /pəˈzeʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Possession is nine-tenths of the law.”
- “A prized possession.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'session' where you sit with your things. Your 'pos-SESSION' is your time with your owned items.
Conceptual Metaphor
OWNERSHIP IS CONTROL (He lost possession of the situation). IDEAS/EMOTIONS ARE POSSESSIONS (She was in the possession of a strange feeling).
Practice
Quiz
In a football context, what does 'possession' primarily refer to?