Spanish word

posesivo

Pronunciation

IPA/poseˈsiβo/

Meaning

  • adjectivepossessive

Example

Mi novio es posesivo.

My boyfriend is possessive.

Illustration for posesivo (possessive)

More examples

Los celos posesivos dañan la confianza en la pareja.

Possessive jealousy damages trust in a relationship.

Core concept

Characteristic of claiming or guarding another person's attention or affection.

Common phrases

  • pareja posesiva

    possessive partner

  • celos posesivos

    possessive jealousy

  • comportamiento posesivo

    possessive behavior

Similar words

celoso: Becomes upset at signs of rival attention and feels insecure about the relationship.
controlador: Overrides a partner's autonomy by controlling schedules, friendships, or choices.
dominante: Dominates the relationship dynamic by insisting on leadership and compliance.
pegajoso: Needs frequent contact and reassurance, finding time apart distressing.

Definition in Spanish

Dicho de una persona: que muestra celos o tendencia a monopolizar afectos o atención; por extensión, relativo a la posesión.

Word origin

Derived from Latin possessivus (from possidēre 'to possess' plus -ivus), originally 'relating to possession' and later extended to describe possessive attitudes in people.

Usage tips

  • The word also appears in grammar to mean a possessive form (as in pronouns), so context determines whether it refers to ownership or to a jealous attitude.

Other meanings

  • possessive casenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • posesividadpossessivenessnoun
  • posesivamentepossessivelyadverb

Word lists with this word