poseer
Lemma Details
Translation: to possess; to own; to have; to hold
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Poseer comes from Latin 'possidere' (to possess, to own), which is formed from 'potis' (able, capable) and 'sedere' (to sit). The English cognate 'possess' shares the same Latin root. The etymology suggests the original concept of 'sitting upon' or 'having power over' something, indicating control or ownership.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Él posee muchas propiedades en el centro de la ciudad.
He owns many properties in the city center.
Para tener éxito, debes poseer determinación y paciencia.
To be successful, you must possess determination and patience.
La empresa posee los derechos de autor de la canción.
The company owns the copyright to the song.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'poseer' as 'possess-eer' to connect it to the English 'possess'
- Imagine sitting (sedere) powerfully (potis) on something you own to remember its Latin roots
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish legal contexts, 'poseer' has specific implications related to property rights and ownership. It's often used in formal documents and legal proceedings when discussing ownership of property or assets.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'poseer' means 'to possess/own', 'poder' means 'to be able to/can'. They look somewhat similar but have different meanings and conjugations.
This word:
Él posee un coche nuevo.
He owns a new car.
Confused word:
Él puede conducir un coche nuevo.
He can drive a new car.
Notes: The conjugations are quite different: 'poseo' (I possess) vs. 'puedo' (I can).
Mnemonic: Remember: posEER is about ownERship, while podER is about powER/ability.
Explanation: 'Poseer' means 'to possess/own' while 'posar' means 'to pose' or 'to perch/land'.
Confused word:
Ella posa para una fotografía.
She poses for a photograph.
Notes: Both verbs share the 'pos-' root but have completely different meanings and uses.
Mnemonic: Think: posAR is about posture (to pose), while posEER is about possession.