Ownership Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：legal right to possess (ownership)

ownership 🔊

/ˈoʊnərʃɪp/

the legal right to have something and use it as you want.

Ownership concept showing hands holding keys and property deed

legal right to possess 🔊

➕

/ˈliːɡəl raɪt tə pəˈzes/

The legal right to have, use, and control something, typically property or an asset, as recognized by law.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Root: 'owner' (one who owns) + '-ship' (state or condition).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a ship's captain owning the vessel: 'owner' + 'ship' = owning a ship, but really any property.

📖 Example

Buying a house gives you legal ownership of the property and the land it sits on. 🔊 Buying a house gives you legal ownership of the property and the land it sits on.

🔗 Collocations

take ownership of – to assume responsibility or legal possession of something

ownership rights – the legal entitlements that come with being the owner

transfer of ownership – the act of legally moving possession from one party to another

🔄 Synonyms

possession (n.) – the state of having or owning something

title (n.) – a legal document or right confirming ownership

proprietorship (n.) – the state of being the owner of a business or property

🚫 Antonyms

dispossession (n.) – the act of depriving someone of property or possession

leasehold (n.) – the temporary right to use property without full ownership

🌱 Derivatives

owner (n.) – a person who owns something

co-ownership (n.) – joint ownership with another person

📖 Cultural Story

The suffix '-ship' comes from Old English '-sciepe', denoting quality or condition. 'Ownership' evolved in legal contexts during the 17th century to formalize property rights.