Own
/oʊn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo have something as one's own property.
/oʊn/
To possess something.
She owns a small business.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a really cool toy. Owning it means it's *yours* and nobody else's! Like, 'I own this awesome superhero action figure!'
👶 For kids: To have something that belongs to you.
More Examples
Do you own this car?
I own a dog and a cat.
How It's Used
"He owns a house and two cars."
"The company owns several patents."
Belonging to or possessed by a particular person or group.
/oʊn/
Belonging to oneself or themselves.
She has her own opinion on the matter.
💡 Simply: If something is your *own*, it's specifically for *you*! Like, 'This is my own special drawing!' or 'I have my own bedroom!'
👶 For kids: Belonging to you, or just for you.
More Examples
They have their own private garden.
He wrote his own book.
How It's Used
"She made her own decisions."
"Each man, in his own way, sought happiness."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
hold one's own
To maintain one's position; to be as successful as others.
"Despite the challenges, she managed to hold her own in the debate."
From Old English *āgen*, from Proto-Germanic *aiganą* ("to own, possess").
The word 'own' has been used in English since the Old English period, evolving in meaning but always referring to possession or something belonging to an individual.
Memory tip
Think of 'own' like being the king of your things.
Word Origin
"to possess, have"