possessive

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the case expressing ownership
  2. adjective serving to express or indicate possession
  3. adjective desirous of owning

Etymology

From Middle French possessif, from Latin possessivus (“of or pertaining to possession”), from possessiō (“possessing”), from possidēre (“to possess”). By surface analysis, possess + -ive.

In classic literature

Synonyms

genitive, genitive case, possessive case

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