Posess vs. Possess: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 12, 2024
The incorrect spelling is "posess," and the correct spelling is "possess." Possess means to own or have something.
Which is correct: Posess or Possess
How to spell Possess?
Posess is Incorrect
Possess is Correct
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Key Differences
The word 'possess' is related to 'possession,' both have double 's' in their middle and end.
Remember the word "possession," which also has two 's' sets.
Divide the word into syllables as "Po-ssess" to recall the double 's'.
"Possess" has two 's' sets; think of it as needing to 'securely' possess its extra 's'.
Think of the phrase "double the S, double the ownership."
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Correct usage of Possess
Their family used to posess a large estate in the countryside.
Their family used to possess a large estate in the countryside.
Can you posess too much knowledge about a subject?
Can you possess too much knowledge about a subject?
He tried to posess a calm demeanor during the interview.
He tried to possess a calm demeanor during the interview.
Possess Definitions
In a legal context, possess means to hold as property.
He possesses land in Florida.
In a spiritual sense, it can mean being controlled by a demon or spirit.
In the movie, the house was possessed.
To have as property; own
Possess great wealth.
(Law) To have under one's power or control
Possess illegal drugs.
To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute
Possesses great tact.
To have mastery or knowledge of
Possess a knowledge of Sanskrit.
Possess valuable information.
To gain control or power over. Used of a demon or spirit.
To occupy fully the mind or feelings of
The dancers were possessed by the music.
Often Offensive To have sexual intercourse with (a woman).
(Archaic) To control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular condition
I possessed my temper despite the insult.
(Archaic) To cause (oneself) to own, hold, or master something, such as property or knowledge.
(Archaic) To gain or seize.
(transitive)
To have (something) as, or as if as, an owner; to have, to own.
He does not even possess a working telephone.
Of an idea, thought, etc.: to dominate (someone's mind); to strongly influence.
Of a supernatural entity, especially one regarded as evil: to take control of (an animal or person's body or mind).
They thought he was possessed by evil spirits.
Of a person: to control or dominate (oneself or someone, or one's own or someone's heart, mind, etc.).
(archaic)
(law) To have control or possession of, but not to own (a chattel or an interest in land).
(obsolete)
(intransitive)
To dominate sexually; to have sexual intercourse with.
To inhabit or occupy a place.
To occupy in person; to hold or actually have in one's own keeping; to have and to hold.
Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.
Yet beauty, though injurious, hath strange power,After offense returning, to regainLove once possessed.
To have the legal title to; to have a just right to; to be master of; to own; to have; as, to possess property, an estate, a book.
I am yours, and all that I possess.
To obtain occupation or possession of; to accomplish; to gain; to seize.
How . . . to possess the purpose they desired.
To enter into and influence; to control the will of; to fill; to affect; - said especially of evil spirits, passions, etc.
Those which were possessed with devils.
For ten inspired, ten thousand are possessed.
To put in possession; to make the owner or holder of property, power, knowledge, etc.; to acquaint; to inform; - followed by of or with before the thing possessed, and now commonly used reflexively.
I have possessed your grace of what I purpose.
Record a gift . . . of all he dies possessedUnto his son.
We possessed our selves of the kingdom of Naples.
To possess our minds with an habitual good intention.
Have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill;
He possesses great knowledge about the Middle East
Have ownership or possession of;
He owns three houses in Florida
How many cars does she have?
Enter into and control, as of emotions or ideas;
What possessed you to buy this house?
A terrible rage possessed her
Possess means to own or have control over something.
She possesses a rare talent.
It can also mean to be endowed with a quality.
He possesses great courage.
To possess can mean to gain control or influence over someone.
He was possessed by jealousy.
Possess Sentences
To possess a rare stamp collection is his lifelong dream.
Many athletes possess a strong sense of determination.
He tried to possess a calm demeanor during the interview.
A good leader should possess both intelligence and empathy.
To possess knowledge of multiple languages is extremely useful.
Witches in fairy tales often possess magical powers.
Ancient kings used to possess vast amounts of treasure.
It's important to possess a valid passport before international travel.
Some people possess a natural ability to make friends easily.
To possess good communication skills can open many doors.
To possess a driver's license, you must pass both written and practical exams.
Cats possess the ability to see well in low light.
To successfully possess digital skills is crucial in today's job market.
Children often possess a natural curiosity about the world.
Artists possess the creativity to see the world differently.
FAQs
Why is it called possess?
It comes from the Latin word "possidere," which means to occupy or own.
What is the root word of possess?
The root word is Latin "possidere."
What is the verb form of possess?
The verb form is "to possess."
What is the pronunciation of possess?
Pronounced as /pəˈzɛs/ in American English.
Which vowel is used before possess?
No specific vowel usually precedes "possess."
Which preposition is used with possess?
"Of" as in "possession of."
What is the singular form of possess?
Possess.
Which conjunction is used with possess?
No specific conjunction is predominantly used with "possess."
What is the plural form of possess?
Possesses (in the third-person singular).
Is possess a negative or positive word?
It's neutral; the connotation depends on context.
Is possess a vowel or consonant?
Possess is a word, not a vowel or consonant.
Is the word possess imperative?
It can be used in the imperative mood ("Possess it!").
Is possess an adverb?
No, it is not an adverb.
How many syllables are in possess?
Two syllables.
What part of speech is possess?
It is a verb.
What is another term for possess?
Own, have, or hold.
Is possess a collective noun?
No, it is a verb.
Is the possess term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically.
What is a stressed syllable in possess?
The stress is on the second syllable, "sess."
What is the first form of possess?
Possess.
What is the second form of possess?
Possessed.
Which article is used with possess?
Both "a" and "the" can be used, depending on context.
Is possess a noun or adjective?
Possess is a verb.
Is possess an abstract noun?
No, it is a verb.
Which determiner is used with possess?
"The," "a," and "an" can all be used, depending on context.
How do we divide possess into syllables?
Po-ssess.
What is the opposite of possess?
Lack, be without.
How is possess used in a sentence?
"She possesses a keen intellect."
Is possess a countable noun?
Possess is not a noun, so it's not countable.
What is the third form of possess?
Possessing.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
