How Do You Spell POSSESSION?

Pronunciation: [pəzˈɛʃən] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "possession" may be confusing to some due to the double letter "s" in the middle. However, it is pronounced with only one "s" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "possession" is /pəˈzeʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound and the second syllable has an "eh" sound. The "sh" sound is represented by the letter combination "ss" in the traditional spelling. "Possession" refers to something owned or controlled by someone or something.

POSSESSION Meaning and Definition

1. Possession refers to the act of owning or having control over something, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual. In a legal context, possession typically implies having physical custody or control over an object or property. It encompasses the ability to use, enjoy, or dispose of the item at one's discretion. Possession may be temporary, permanent, or conditional based on various factors.

   In a broader sense, possession can also apply to intangible concepts such as ideas, emotions, or beliefs. For example, one may possess knowledge or possess certain traits or qualities. In this case, possession relates to the control, understanding, or mastery of a particular subject or attribute.

   Psychologically, possession can refer to moments when an individual feels a strong sense of ownership or attachment to someone or something, often experienced as a deep connection or loyalty. It can also refer to the state of being influenced or controlled by an external force, such as in cases of possession-related disorders or altered mental states.

   Overall, possession encompasses the notion of having control, ownership, or influence over tangible and intangible entities. It can range from physical ownership of objects to intellectual ownership of ideas, and from emotional attachment to being influenced by external forces.

2. State of owning or having in one's own power; that which is possessed; occupancy; property; state of being under the power of invisible beings; madness.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for POSSESSION *

• possetion 2.419753%
• possestion 1.382716%
• possission 0.9876543%
• possision 0.8888888%
• prossesion 0.2469135%
• prossession 0.2469135%
• pocession 0.1975308%
• posessions 0.1975308%
• possesson 0.1975308%
• posission 0.1481481%
• possiession 0.1481481%
• possesssion 0.345679%
• possecion 0.0987654%
• ossession 0.0987654%
• posssesion 0.0987654%
• possesiom 0.0987654%
• posesion 0.0987654%
• poession 0.0987654%
• possiesion 0.0987654%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for POSSESSION

• posssession
• possistion
• possesin
• posseision
• pssesion
• possenion
• assession
• possessioin
• pofession
• poesession
• dissession
• porfession
• dpossession
• poccession
• persession
• posseison
• pssession
• ssession
• osession
• possesssions
• possection
• possissions
• possessin
• sussession
• posserssion
• possessoin
• possesionn
• passession
• possezzion
• ebssession
• possessian
• Possesiun

Etymology of POSSESSION

The word "possession" originates from the Latin term "possessio", which is derived from the verb "possidere". "Possidere" is a combination of "pos" meaning "in" or "to be able" and "sedere" meaning "to sit". Therefore, "possession" essentially conveys the idea of sitting in or having control over something.

Idioms with the word POSSESSION

• Possession is ninetenths of the law. The idiom "Possession is nine-tenths of the law" means that if someone is in physical possession of something, it is often assumed that they have a legal right to it. In other words, having actual ownership or control over something can often be more important or influential than any legal claims or disputes.
• take possession (of sth) The idiom "take possession (of something)" means to assume ownership or control over something. It refers to the act of claiming or acquiring something as one's own, often by physically or legally acquiring it.
• leave somebody in possession of the field To "leave somebody in possession of the field" means to allow someone to have control or authority over a situation or issue. It implies that one refrains from challenging or competing with the person, allowing them to remain unchallenged or victorious.
• possession is nine points/tenths/parts of the law The idiom "possession is nine points/tenths/parts of the law" means that whoever possesses or physically has control over something is more likely to keep or retain ownership of it. In legal matters, if there is a dispute over ownership, the person who currently has possession of the item is often in a stronger position to claim it as their own. The exact phrase may vary; for example, "nine points/tenths/parts of the law" are alternative ways to express the same idea.
• possession is nine-tenths of the law The idiom "possession is nine-tenths of the law" means that the person who physically possesses something is presumed to be the legal owner until proven otherwise. In other words, ownership is often determined by the physical possession rather than by legal documentation or claims.
• possession is nine points of the law The idiom "possession is nine points of the law" means that the person who physically possesses something has a stronger legal claim to it than someone who does not. It suggests that physical possession often serves as strong evidence of ownership or control, even if the actual legal ownership may be disputed.