Own Meaning and Definition
Own
Pronunciation
/oʊn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A sense of possession or control over something, whether tangible or intangible, including one’s body, emotions, thoughts, or belongings.
Examples
- He felt a sense of own over his new home.
- She was proud to call herself the own of her business.
Synonyms
- Ownership
- Control
- Authority
Antonyms
- Loss
- Dispossession
- Vulnerability
Etymology
The word ‘Own’ has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled ‘āgen’, meaning ‘one’s own’ or ‘ possessions’. It has since evolved to encompass a broader sense of control and possession.
Usage Notes
The word ‘Own’ is commonly used to describe a sense of possession or control over something, whether tangible or intangible. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts.
Cultural References
The phrase ‘own up’ is a common idiomatic expression used to encourage someone to take responsibility for their actions or mistakes. This phrase is often seen in media and everyday conversation.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Own up to something
- Take ownership
- Making it my own
Related Words or Phrases
- Property
- Belonging
- Authority
- Possession
Collocations
- Sense of own
- Firmly in own hands
- Feeling a sense of own
Frequency of Use
The word ‘Own’ is commonly used in modern language, with an estimated frequency of 1.4 per million words spoken.
Common Misspellings
- orne
- ownned
- owning