Posess vs. Possess — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 21, 2024
"Posess" is an incorrect spelling, while "Possess" is correct and means to have or own something.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Posess or Possess
How to spell Possess?
Posess
Incorrect Spelling
Possess
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
You want to fully possess something, so make sure to use both 's's.
Possession is something strong; it needs the strength of two 's's.
"To own" has two o's, "possess" has double 's'.
Remember that "Possess" has double 's' both in the middle and the end.
Think of possession, which clearly has two 's's in succession.
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How Do You Spell Possess Correctly?
Incorrect: She wished to posess a house by the sea.
Correct: She wished to possess a house by the sea.
Incorrect: They aimed to posess more land for farming.
Correct: They aimed to possess more land for farming.
Incorrect: The museum does not posess that ancient artifact.
Correct: The museum does not possess that ancient artifact.
Incorrect: The team did not posess the skills needed to win.
Correct: The team did not possess the skills needed to win.
Incorrect: He tried to posess a calm demeanor.
Correct: He tried to possess a calm demeanor.
Possess Definitions
To occupy or take up space.
Thoughts of doubt possess his mind.
To have or own as a property.
She possesses a rare collection of coins.
To gain mastery or control over; dominate.
The dancer possesses the stage.
To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute.
He possesses great talent.
To control or dominate in a powerful way.
She was possessed by jealousy.
Have as belonging to one; own
I do not possess a television set
(of a demon or spirit, especially an evil one) have complete power over (someone) and be manifested through their speech or actions
She was possessed by the Devil
Maintain (oneself or one's mind or soul) in a state of patience or quiet
I tried to possess my soul in patience
To have as property; own
Possess great wealth.
(Law) To have under one's power or control
Possess illegal drugs.
To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute
Possesses great tact.
To have mastery or knowledge of
Possess a knowledge of Sanskrit.
Possess valuable information.
To gain control or power over. Used of a demon or spirit.
To occupy fully the mind or feelings of
The dancers were possessed by the music.
(Archaic) To control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular condition
I possessed my temper despite the insult.
(Archaic) To cause (oneself) to own, hold, or master something, such as property or knowledge.
(Archaic) To gain or seize.
(transitive)
To have (something) as, or as if as, an owner; to have, to own.
He does not even possess a working telephone.
Of an idea, thought, etc.: to dominate (someone's mind); to strongly influence.
Of a supernatural entity, especially one regarded as evil: to take control of (an animal or person's body or mind).
They thought he was possessed by evil spirits.
Of a person: to control or dominate (oneself or someone, or one's own or someone's heart, mind, etc.).
(archaic)
(law) To have control or possession of, but not to own (a chattel or an interest in land).
(obsolete)
(intransitive)
To inhabit or occupy a place.
To occupy in person; to hold or actually have in one's own keeping; to have and to hold.
Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.
Yet beauty, though injurious, hath strange power,After offense returning, to regainLove once possessed.
To have the legal title to; to have a just right to; to be master of; to own; to have; as, to possess property, an estate, a book.
I am yours, and all that I possess.
To obtain occupation or possession of; to accomplish; to gain; to seize.
How . . . to possess the purpose they desired.
To enter into and influence; to control the will of; to fill; to affect; - said especially of evil spirits, passions, etc.
Those which were possessed with devils.
For ten inspired, ten thousand are possessed.
To put in possession; to make the owner or holder of property, power, knowledge, etc.; to acquaint; to inform; - followed by of or with before the thing possessed, and now commonly used reflexively.
I have possessed your grace of what I purpose.
Record a gift . . . of all he dies possessedUnto his son.
We possessed our selves of the kingdom of Naples.
To possess our minds with an habitual good intention.
Have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill;
He possesses great knowledge about the Middle East
Have ownership or possession of;
He owns three houses in Florida
How many cars does she have?
Enter into and control, as of emotions or ideas;
What possessed you to buy this house?
A terrible rage possessed her
Possess Meaning in a Sentence
To succeed, one must possess determination and grit.
Some animals possess natural camouflage to hide from predators.
To possess such confidence at a young age is rare.
To enter the profession, you must possess a degree in medicine.
The criminal was found to possess stolen goods.
To be successful in this role, you must possess excellent communication skills.
The magician claimed to possess the ability to read minds.
Individuals who possess critical thinking skills are highly valued in the workforce.
Possess Idioms & Phrases
Possess one's soul in patience
To remain patient and calm during difficult times.
Despite the delays, she possessed her soul in patience, confident that things would work out.
Possess a heart of gold
To have a kind and generous nature.
He may seem stern, but he possesses a heart of gold.
Possess one's mind
To influence or control someone's thoughts.
What possessed your mind to take such a risky decision?
Possess the field
To dominate or control an area of expertise or activity.
In the realm of digital innovation, they truly possess the field.
Possess oneself of
To gain control of or make oneself familiar with.
He possessed himself of the necessary information to complete the project.
Common Curiosities
Which vowel is used before Possess?
The indefinite article "a" is used before "Possess".
What is the verb form of Possess?
The verb form is "possess".
What is the root word of Possess?
The root is the Latin "possidere."
What is the plural form of Possess?
Verbs don't have plural forms, but the noun derivative "possessions" can be used.
Which preposition is used with Possess?
"Of" is often used, as in "possess of".
Is Possess a noun or adjective?
"Possess" is a verb.
Why is it called Possess?
Derived from Latin "possidere," it connotes ownership or having a particular quality.
Which conjunction is used with Possess?
Any conjunction can be used with "Possess", like "and" or "but", depending on context.
Which article is used with Possess?
"A" is typically used with "Possess" when referring to the act or ability.
Is Possess a negative or positive word?
"Possess" is neutral, its connotation depends on context.
What is the pronunciation of Possess?
Possess is pronounced as /pəˈzɛs/.
Is Possess a vowel or consonant?
"Possess" is a word composed of both vowels and consonants.
Is Possess a countable noun?
"Possess" as a verb isn't countable. However, "possession" as a noun is countable.
Is the word Possess a Gerund?
The form "possessing" is a gerund.
What is the opposite of Possess?
The opposite of "Possess" is "lack" or "be devoid of".
What is the singular form of Possess?
"Possess" itself is singular.
Is Possess an adverb?
No, "Possess" is not an adverb.
Is Possess an abstract noun?
No, "Possess" is a verb, but "possession" can be abstract.
Is the Possess term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but "possessed by an emotion" can be metaphorical.
Is the word Possess imperative?
It can be used in the imperative mood, as in "Possess your feelings".
What is the first form of Possess?
The first form is "possess".
How many syllables are in Possess?
Possess has two syllables.
What part of speech is Possess?
"Possess" is a verb.
What is another term for Possess?
Another term for "Possess" is "own".
What is the third form of Possess?
The third form is "possessed".
How is Possess used in a sentence?
"All humans possess the capacity for empathy."
Is Possess a collective noun?
No, "Possess" is not a collective noun.
Which determiner is used with Possess?
Determiners like "this", "that", "each", or "every" can be used.
Is the word “Possess” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Possess" can take a direct object, as in what you possess.
How do we divide Possess into syllables?
Possess is divided as Pos-sess.
What is a stressed syllable in Possess?
The second syllable, "-sess", is stressed.
What is the second form of Possess?
The second form is "possessed".
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
