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possessory

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /pəˈzɛsəri/

KK: /pəˈzɛsəri/

adjective
Definition

Relating to or arising from having possession of something.


Example

The possessory rights of the tenant were clearly outlined in the lease agreement.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of possessory rights in real estate?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it has to do with who actually owns the property, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It’s all about the legal aspects of possession.
Sloth B
That sounds complicated, but also kind of interesting!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
holding
owning
acquisitive
Antonyms
dispossessed
unowned
nonpossessive
Root Explanation

Possessory → It is formed from "possidere" (meaning to possess) and the suffix "-ory" (meaning relating to or characterized by). The word "possessory" refers to something that is related to or characterized by possession.

Memory Tip

Think of 'possessing' something, which is what 'possessory' relates to — it describes things that are about ownership or possession.

Visually Confused Words
dispossessory
repossessor
assessory
prepossessor
dispossessor
professory
coassessor
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