Definition

The quality of wanting to own or control something or someone, often to an excessive degree.

Example

Her possessiveness over her belongings made it difficult for her to share with others.

Conversation

I’ve been thinking about how possessiveness can really affect relationships.

Yeah, it can make things complicated if one person is too clingy.

Exactly! It’s all about finding a balance and trusting each other.

For sure, trust is key to avoiding that kind of possessiveness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Possessiveness → It is formed from "possess" (from Latin "possidere", meaning to hold or occupy) and "-iveness" (a suffix indicating a state or quality). The word "possessiveness" refers to the quality or state of holding or occupying something, often in a way that implies control or ownership.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'possess' which means to 'hold' something, and the suffix '-iveness' indicates a quality. This helps you remember that 'possessiveness' is about the quality of holding onto something.

Visually Confused Words