Possession vs. Possesion – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is possession, referring to the state of having, owning, or controlling something. Possesion is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all written communication. Remembering the double ‘s’ in the middle and the single ‘s’ at the end is key.
Possession or Possesion – Which is Correct?
When faced with the choice between “possession” and “possesion,” the correct word is always possession. The term “possesion” is an unfortunately common misspelling that stems from phonetic confusion, where the ‘ss’ sound in the middle might be incorrectly simplified to a single ‘s’ by some writers. However, standard English spelling dictates the use of a double ‘s’ in the middle of the word.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To confidently remember the correct spelling of “possession,” think of the word “session.” A possession often involves a “session” of ownership or control. Since “session” has a double ‘s’ in the middle, you can use that as a mental anchor. Another trick is to remember the “two S’s are always together in the middle” rule for possession, indicating both the ‘ss’ in the middle and the ‘ss’ at the end of the word.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| possession | Noun | The state of having, owning, or controlling something; an item owned. | The ancient artifact was a valuable possession of the museum. |
| possesion | Incorrect | Misspelling of “possession.” | (Incorrect usage: She took possesion of the keys.) |
How to Use Possession
The word “possession” is a noun used to describe the act of possessing or the state of being possessed. It can also refer to something that is owned or controlled. Its usage is straightforward and applies across various contexts, from legal and financial to personal and abstract.
Example 1: The police found illegal narcotics in his possession, leading to an immediate arrest.
Example 2: Her most cherished possession was a locket inherited from her grandmother.
Example 3: The team fought hard to maintain possession of the ball during the final minutes of the game.
What are the different forms of Possession?
As a noun, “possession” primarily changes form to indicate plurality.
- Singular: possession (e.g., a valuable possession)
- Plural: possessions (e.g., all of her worldly possessions)
While “possession” itself is a noun, it is closely related to the verb “possess” (to have or own) and the adjective “possessive” (showing ownership or desire to dominate).
Etymology of the word Possession
The word “possession” traces its roots back to Latin. It comes from the Old French word possession, which itself derived from the Latin possessiō, meaning “a possessing, a having, a holding.” This Latin term is the noun form of the past participle stem of the verb possidēre, meaning “to possess, to have, to hold, to occupy.” The structure of the Latin verb, with its double ‘s’, has been retained through French and into English, providing a historical reason for the current spelling.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammatical concepts can help solidify the correct use of words like “possession” and prevent common spelling errors.
- Common Misspellings: Many words are frequently misspelled due to silent letters, phonetic ambiguities, or simply common errors. Recognizing that “possesion” is a common misspelling helps you actively check for it.
- Double Consonants: English spelling often features double consonants (e.g., ‘ss’, ‘tt’, ‘ff’). Learning common patterns and exceptions for these can reduce errors. In “possession,” both the ‘ss’ in the middle and at the end are crucial.
- Suffixes: The suffix “-ion” (as in possess + -ion) is common for forming nouns from verbs, often indicating an action or state. While the suffix itself is consistent, the root word’s spelling (possess) is what dictates the preceding consonants.
Examples from Media and Literature
Observing the correct usage of “possession” in published works reinforces its proper spelling and meaning.
- “He had a strange possession, a small, intricate wooden box that seemed to hold no purpose.” – From a contemporary mystery novel.
- “The treaty outlined the transfer of territorial possession from one nation to another.” – From a historical account.
- “They say that true happiness isn’t found in material possessions, but in experiences.” – A common philosophical saying.
- “The wizard’s dark magic allowed him to take temporary possession of the knight’s body.” – From a fantasy epic.
- “Upon her father’s passing, the estate came into her full legal possession.” – From a legal drama screenplay.
Possession Synonyms
Exploring synonyms can deepen your understanding of “possession” and provide alternative words for varied contexts.
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ownership | The act, state, or right of possessing something. |
| Custody | The protective care or guardianship of someone or something. |
| Holding | An item of property or stock that is owned. |
| Dominion | Sovereignty or control. |
| Asset | A useful or valuable thing, person, or quality. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “possesion” a common mistake?
The misspelling “possesion” often occurs because the double ‘s’ sound in the middle of “possession” can be pronounced in a way that might suggest a single ‘s’ to some speakers or writers. The visual similarity to other words with single ‘s’ may also contribute to the error.
Question 2: Can “possession” refer to more than just physical items?
Yes, “possession” can refer to physical objects, but it also extends to abstract concepts. For instance, one might speak of “possession of knowledge,” “possession of a strong will,” or “possession of a skill.” It also has a specific meaning in legal contexts regarding control over property or items.
Question 3: What’s the origin of the word “possession”?
“Possession” comes from the Latin word possessiō, meaning “a possessing, a having, a holding.” This Latin root, derived from the verb possidēre (to possess), maintained the double ‘s’ through Old French and into modern English, solidifying its current spelling.
Conclusion
In the ongoing debate of “possession or possesion,” the answer is unequivocally possession. The alternative, “possesion,” is a widely recognized misspelling. By remembering the double ‘s’ in the middle of the word, you can confidently use this term correctly in all your written communications. Pro Tip: Consistent and accurate spelling, especially of common words, significantly enhances your professional credibility and the clarity of your message.
