French word

posséder

Pronunciation

IPA/posede/

Meaning

  • verbhave

Example

Tu possèdes beaucoup de talent.

You have plenty of talent.

Illustration for posséder (have)

More examples

Il possède plusieurs biens.

He possesses several assets.

Core concept

Something sits securely within a person's own sphere, whether it is property, a right, or an enduring quality.

Common phrases

  • posséder un talent

    possess a talent

  • posséder des biens

    possess assets

Similar words

avoir: To have an object or quality as part of one's possessions or attributes.
disposer de: To have goods or resources available for use when needed.
être propriétaire de: To be the legal owner of an object or property.
conserver: To keep something in good condition for a long time.

Definition in French

Être pourvu d'un bien, d'un droit ou d'une qualité, c'est-à-dire l'avoir en propre.

Word origin

Posséder comes from Latin possidēre through Old French; English possess and French possession share the same Latin source.

Usage tips

  • In ordinary statements about having something, avoir is usually more neutral, while posséder often highlights ownership or control.

Other meanings

  • ownverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word