Own vs. possess: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Own is often used to emphasize legal ownership or personal belonging, and is more common in everyday speech. Possess is more formal, can refer to both tangible and intangible things (skills, qualities), and may imply control rather than official ownership.
What they have in common
Both own and possess refer to having something as your property or under your control.
Examples
own
- I own a car.
- She owns a beautiful house by the lake.
- They own several companies in the city.
possess
- He possesses great talent.
- The museum possesses a rare painting.
- She possesses a kind heart.
Which one is more common?
Spotted a mistake in this article? Tell us