Own meaning Meaning

UK /əʊn/
US /oʊn/
Word Definition
own meaning meaning

Own meaning Definition & Usage

verb

To possess something as one's own, or to have control or ownership over it.

Examples

  • "She owns a beautiful house on the beach."
  • "I own the rights to this photograph."
  • "They own the land that stretches for miles."
  • "Do you own this car, or is it rented?"
  • "After years of hard work, he finally owns his own business."
adjective

Belonging to or associated with oneself; used to emphasize the personal nature of possession.

Examples

  • "She has her own way of doing things."
  • "This is my own opinion, not influenced by anyone else."
  • "He built his own house from scratch."
  • "Each student should bring their own materials to class."
  • "It was his own decision to leave the company."
verb

To acknowledge something as being one’s responsibility or fault.

Examples

  • "She owned up to her mistake and apologized."
  • "He finally owned his actions during the meeting."
  • "It's time to own the consequences of our decisions."
  • "The company must own the impact of its policies."
  • "She has to own up to the truth about what happened."

Cultural Context

The word 'own' comes from Old English 'agan', meaning to possess or have. It has evolved over time and is now one of the most frequently used words to express ownership, control, and personal identity.

The Business of Owning

Story

The Business of Owning

Jenny had always dreamed of owning her own business. After years of hard work and countless sacrifices, she was finally able to open a small bakery in the heart of the city. The space was modest but cozy, and it was entirely hers. Every morning, she would arrive early, open the doors, and take pride in her ownership of the place. No one else had a say in how things were done—everything was her decision. But owning a business came with its challenges. Jenny had to own up to her mistakes when the early months of sales didn't meet expectations. The bakery wasn’t quite as popular as she had hoped. She couldn’t blame anyone else; it was her responsibility to make things work. So, she adjusted the menu and began focusing on special offers to attract more customers. In the process, Jenny realized that owning a business was more than just possessing a physical space. It was about taking control and making it thrive despite the setbacks. It wasn’t just about selling bread and cakes—it was about owning her dreams, even when things were tough. One day, a regular customer walked in and complimented her on the unique atmosphere she had created. Jenny smiled. This was her own creation, and she was beginning to see the fruits of her hard work. She had always known that owning a business wasn’t easy, but now she could truly appreciate what it meant to own something—physically, emotionally, and personally. Later that week, Jenny received an email from a supplier who wanted to expand their partnership. She took a moment to reflect on how far she had come. As she read the email, she realized that owning her own bakery had given her a sense of freedom and independence she had never imagined before. But more importantly, it had taught her the value of owning up to her challenges and growing from them.

The Business of Owning