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possession
/pəˈzɛʃən/
When referring to things you own, "possession" is usually used in the plural form ("possessions"). In legal contexts, being "in possession of" something is a formal way to say that you have it with you or control it. When talking about spirits or emotions, the word describes a state of being controlled by an outside force.
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon; David is in a corporate meeting while Eleanor is cleaning her attic.
Eleanor Smith
DAVID WHO OWNS THIS OLD LAMP. IS IT IN YOUR POSSESSION?
David Smith
Mom, please. Just toss it if you're cleaning house.
💡
Eleanor uses 'possession' in a stiff, overly formal manner typical of her personality, while David uses the phrasal verb 'cleaning house' to mean getting rid of unnecessary items.