owning

word · lemma: own

/ˈoʊnɪŋ/
/ˈəʊnɪŋ/

Definition

Having something as your property or being the legal possessor of something.

Usage & Nuances

'Owning' is the gerund form of 'own,' often used for possession of things (houses, cars, pets) or discussing experiences ('owning your mistakes' means accepting responsibility). Not used for temporary holding ('borrowing' or 'renting').

Example Sentences

They are thinking about owning a dog.

basic

She is owning her own home for the first time.

basic

Owning a car means you are responsible for its care.

basic

He's not just renting the shop, he's owning the whole building now.

natural

Owning up to your mistakes takes real courage.

natural

For some people, owning their own business is a lifelong dream.

natural