Owning
ˈəʊnɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo have something as property; to possess.
ˈəʊnɪŋ
Having something as property
She is owning that car.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a cool toy, like a video game console. Owning means it's yours, and you can play with it whenever you want. Or if you own a house, you live there!
👶 For kids: When you own something, it means it's yours!
More Examples
He prides himself on owning a large collection of rare books.
They plan on owning a vacation home.
How It's Used
"The company is owning several patents."
"Owning property grants specific rights."
"Owning a home can be a significant investment."
To admit or acknowledge something, often a fault or mistake.
ˈəʊnɪŋ
She is owning her past decisions.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, we do something wrong, like accidentally breaking a toy. 'Owning' it means you're saying, 'Yep, that was me, and I'll fix it.'
👶 For kids: When you say 'I did it' if you did something wrong.
More Examples
He is owning the responsibility for the project's failure.
I need to own up to my mistakes and apologize.
How It's Used
"He's owning up to his mistakes."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Own up
To admit that you have done something wrong.
"He needs to own up to his mistakes."
From Old English āgnian (“to possess”), from āgen (“own”), from Proto-Germanic *aiganą (“to possess”).
Historically, 'owning' has been used in legal and social contexts to denote possession and accountability.
Memory tip
Think of a house with your name on the deed.
Word Origin
"To possess"