Possessive
/pəˈzɛsɪv/
Definitions
3 meaningsRelating to or indicating ownership or possession. Can refer to grammatical constructions or personal behavior.
/pəˈzɛsɪv/
Relating to or denoting ownership or possession.
The possessive pronoun 'my' indicates ownership.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'mine' or 'belonging to me'. Imagine you have a favorite toy, and you tell everyone, 'That's my toy!' That's being possessive about it.
👶 For kids: When something belongs to someone, like when you say 'That is my toy!'
More Examples
She became possessive of her new bicycle, not letting anyone else ride it.
How It's Used
"Possessive pronouns like 'mine', 'yours', and 'theirs'."
"He made a possessive gesture, as if claiming the entire garden."
Having or showing a desire to control or dominate another person or thing, often due to insecurity or jealousy.
/pəˈzɛsɪv/
Demanding someone's total attention and love; jealous.
His possessive behavior drove his partner away.
💡 Simply: It's like when someone gets super jealous and doesn't want you to talk to other people, or share things. Like, 'You're only allowed to hang out with me!'
👶 For kids: Wanting something or someone all to yourself and not wanting them to share with others.
More Examples
She became quite possessive over her artwork, refusing to show it to anyone.
How It's Used
"His possessive nature made it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship."
"Possessive tendencies can stem from insecurity."
A word, or the form of a word (such as a pronoun or an adjective), used to show ownership or belonging.
/pəˈzɛsɪv/
A word or form expressing possession, such as a possessive pronoun or adjective.
In 'my car', 'my' is a possessive pronoun.
💡 Simply: It's a grammar thing! It's like the special word or part of a word that shows something belongs to someone. Think about 'my', 'his', or an apostrophe-s (like in 'dog's' toy).
👶 For kids: A word that shows something belongs to someone, like 'my toy' or 'John's hat'.
More Examples
The possessive case is often formed with an apostrophe and 's'.
How It's Used
"The possessive is indicated by an apostrophe and an 's' (e.g., John's car)."
"Understanding the possessive is crucial for clear communication."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Late Latin *possessivus*, from *possessus*, past participle of *possidēre* 'to possess'.
The use of 'possessive' to describe personal behavior, especially in the context of relationships, gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries reflecting societal views on relationships and ownership.
Memory tip
Think of a dog guarding its bone – very possessive!
Word Origin
"to possess, have control of"