possessive
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /pəˈzɛsɪv/
KK: /pəˈzɛsɪv/
adjective
Definition
Relating to or showing ownership or possession of something.
Example
She has a possessive attitude towards her belongings.
Conversation
I noticed that your dog is quite possessive about his toys.
Yeah, he doesn’t like sharing them with anyone at all!
That’s funny! Does he get jealous when other dogs come around?
Definitely! He guards his toys like they’re treasures.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
owning
controlling
greedy
Antonyms
generous
unselfish
detached
noun
Definition
A form of a word that shows ownership or relationship, often marked by an apostrophe and 's' or by specific pronouns.
Example
In English, the word 'John's' is a possessive that indicates something belongs to John.
Conversation
Did you understand the concept of a possessive in grammar?
Yeah, it’s when you show ownership, right?
Exactly! Like when we say 'Sara's book' as a possessive form.
Root Explanation
Possessive → It is formed from "possidere" (meaning to possess) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "possessive" describes something that has the nature of possessing or ownership.
Memory Tip
Think of 'possessing' something — that's what 'possessive' means, having the nature of ownership.
Visually Confused Words
obsessive
professive
processive