Definition of possessive
1 : of, relating to, or constituting a word, a word group, or a grammatical case that denotes ownership or a relation analogous to ownership
2 : manifesting possession or the desire to own or dominate
possessively
adverbpossessiveness
nounPeople Are Reading
Examples of possessive in a Sentence
If you marry him, he is only going to become even more jealous and possessive than he is now.
The possessive form of “dog” is “dog's.”
“His” and “her” are possessive pronouns.
15th Century
First Known Use of possessive
15th century
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
possessive
Definition of possessive
1 : a possessive word or word group
2a : the possessive caseb : a word in the possessive case
Examples of possessive in a Sentence
“Your” and “yours” are possessives.
The possessive of “it” is “its.”
15th Century
First Known Use of possessive
15th century
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
POSSESSIVE Defined for English Language Learners
possessive
playDefinition of possessive for English Language Learners
-
: not willing to share things with or lend things to other people
-
: wanting all of someone's attention and love
-
grammar : relating to a word or a form of a word that shows that something or someone belongs to something or someone else
possessive
Definition of possessive for English Language Learners
-
: a possessive word or phrase
-
the possessive : the form of a word that shows possession or belonging
POSSESSIVE Defined for Kids
Definition of possessive for Students
1 : being or belonging to the case of a noun or pronoun that shows possession “His” is a possessive pronoun.
2 : showing the desire to possess or control : unwilling to share
Definition of possessive for Students
: a word or form of a word that shows possession
Learn More about possessive
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for possessive Spanish Central: Translation of possessive Nglish: Translation of possessive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of possessive for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up possessive? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!