Possessive Meaning and Definition
Possessive
Pronunciation
/pəˈsɛsɪtɪv/
Part of Speech
Noun, adjective
Definition
A quality of having or holding something in one’s possession or control; a feeling or attitude of ownership or dominance.
Examples
- The company’s possessive nature led to a decline in morale.
- She developed a possessive attachment to her new pet.
- The team’s possessive style of play led to controversy.
- His possessive behavior towards her was suffocating.
Synonyms
- Control
- Domination
Antonyms
- Sharing
- Cooperation
Etymology
The word “possessive” comes from the Latin “possessivus,” meaning “of or relating to possession.”
Usage Notes
In psychology, possessiveness is often seen as a symptom of insecurity or control issues.
In sports, possessive playstyle refers to a team’s aggressive and dominant style of play.
Cultural References
In the book and film “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the character Offred’s possessive nature is a key aspect of her character.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “They’re very possessive about their belongings.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Possession
- Ownership
Collocations
- Have a possessive attitude towards something.
- Develop a possessive attachment to someone.
Frequency of Use
The word “possessive” is commonly used in modern language, especially in the context of psychology, sports, and relationships.
Common Misspellings
- Possesive
- Posessive