Posess vs. Possess: The Correct Spellings

Regarding other forms of "possess," there are several, including "possesses," "possessed," and "possessing."

A simple trick to remember the correct spelling of "possess" is to think of the word "possession." If you can remember that "possession" has double 's' characters both in the middle and at the end, it will help you recall the correct spelling of "possess" as well.

When deciding between posess and possess, "possess" is the correct spelling. The primary difference between these two spellings is the number of 's' characters: "possess" contains a double 's' both in the middle and at the end, whereas posess mistakenly has only one 's' in the middle.

The word "possess" has its roots in Old French "possesser," which comes from Latin "possidēre," meaning "to have or hold."

Incorrect: She wants to posess a new car by the end of the year.

Correct: She wants to possess a new car by the end of the year.

Incorrect: They aim to posess more land for their farming activities.

Correct: They aim to possess more land for their farming activities.

Incorrect: The old house is said to posess a mysterious charm.

Correct: The old house is said to possess a mysterious charm.

Incorrect: To posess such talent at a young age is remarkable.

Correct: To possess such talent at a young age is remarkable.

Incorrect: He doesn't posess the skills required for the job.

Correct: He doesn't possess the skills required for the job.

To dominate or control with a strong emotion.

To enter into and control firmly; to take over.

To have mastery or knowledge of something.

To have as a characteristic, quality, or attribute.

To have or own something as property.

To have as property; own

(Law) To have under one's power or control

To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute

To have mastery or knowledge of

To gain control or power over. Used of a demon or spirit.

To occupy fully the mind or feelings of

Often Offensive To have sexual intercourse with (a woman).

(Archaic) To control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular condition

(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.

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).

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 dominate sexually; to have sexual intercourse with.

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.

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.

To obtain occupation or possession of; to accomplish; to gain; to seize.

To enter into and influence; to control the will of; to fill; to affect; - said especially of evil spirits, passions, etc.

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.

have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill;

have ownership or possession of;

enter into and control, as of emotions or ideas;

To succeed, one must possess a strong determination and work ethic.

To possess such knowledge at his age is truly impressive.

To possess a pet requires responsibility and care.

Many people wish to possess the latest technological gadgets.

To possess a calm demeanor in stressful situations is a valuable skill.

To possess a rare book collection is the dream of many bibliophiles.

To possess good health is something many people take for granted.

To possess such patience is rare in today's fast-paced world.

To have an extraordinary level of patience and endurance, even in the face of adversity.

To have the ability to make any venture successful, especially in making money.

To have a very kind and generous nature.

To have a natural skill or talent for a particular activity.

To have a strong and resilient character, especially in difficult situations.

To have a determined and unwavering determination.

To have a remarkable ability to persuade and charm with one's words.

To have a distinctive and appealing way of dressing or presenting oneself.

To have a sharp and quick intellect.

To have a demeanor that attracts attention and respect from others.

"Possess" originates from the Old French "possesser," which derives from the Latin "possidēre," meaning "to have or hold."

In a supernatural context, it means a person is controlled by a spirit or demon. Figuratively, it can also mean being dominated by a strong emotion.

Yes, other forms include "possesses," "possessed," and "possessing."

No, posess is incorrect. The right spelling is "possess."

No, "possess" can also mean having a quality, attribute, or emotion.

While technically correct, "I possess a car" sounds more formal. In everyday conversation, "I have a car" is more commonly used.

The verb "possess" denotes the act of having or owning, while "possession" is the state or fact of owning or having something.

Think of the word "possession." Just as "possession" has double 's' in the middle and at the end, so does "possess."

The primary meaning remains consistent across both dialects, but the contexts or phrases it appears in might have slight variations.

Yes, in legal terms, "possess" can refer to having custody or control over an item or property.