What is own? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of own

ownadjective

của chính mình, tự mình, nhận, nhìn nhận

/əʊn/

Definition & pronunciation of <b>own</b>

Where does the word own come from?

The word "own" has its roots in Old English and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*ainaz," which was also the source of the Modern German word "eigen." This Proto-Germanic word is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ai-," which meant "to go" or "to take." In Old English, the word "own" was used to indicate possession or ownership, and it was often used in combination with other words to form phrases such as "own land" or "own kin." Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word evolved, and it eventually became the modern English word "own" that we use today to indicate possession or control. Interestingly, the word "own" has a closely related meaning to another Old English word "owe," which meant "to owe" or "to own." This connection highlights the importance of possession and ownership in the linguistic and cultural heritage of the English language.

Vocabulary summary own

typeadjective

meaningof oneself, of oneself

exampleto own to having done something

exampleI have nothing of my own

meaningindependent for oneself; responsible for oneself; with one's own means

examplehe owns his deficiencies: he admits his shortcomings

exampleto own oneself indebted

meaningno less than anyone, can compete with people

typetransitive verb

meaningyes, is the owner of

exampleto own to having done something

exampleI have nothing of my own

meaningadmit, acknowledge; admit to exist, admit to be true, accept (domination...)

examplehe owns his deficiencies: he admits his shortcomings

exampleto own oneself indebted

Example of vocabulary ownnamespace

meaning

used to emphasize that something belongs to or is connected with somebody

  • It was her own idea.
  • I saw it with my own eyes (= I didn't hear about it from somebody else).
  • Is the car your own?
  • Your day off is your own (= you can spend it as you wish).
  • He desperately wants to live his own life (= be independent and do whatever he wants).
meaning

done or produced by and for yourself

Synonyms and related words for own

Idioms of vocabulary own

come into your/its own
to have the opportunity to show how good or useful you are or something is
  • When the traffic's this bad, a bicycle really comes into its own.
the devil looks after his own
(saying)bad people often seem to have good luck
    get your own back (on somebody)
    (informal)to do something to somebody in return for harm they have done to you; to get revenge
    • I'll get my own back on him one day, I swear!
    have a mind of your own
    (humorous)to have your own opinion and make your own decisions without being influenced by other people
    • She has a mind of her own and isn't afraid to say what she thinks.
    • My computer seems to have a mind of its own!
    hold your own (against somebody/something) (in something)
    to remain in a strong position when somebody is attacking you, competing with you, etc.
    • Business isn't good but we're managing to hold our own.
    • She can hold her own against anybody in an argument.
    • The patient is holding her own although she is still very sick.
    in your own right
    because of your personal qualifications or efforts, not because of your connection with somebody else
    • She sings with a rock band, but she's also a jazz musician in her own right.
    like, etc. the sound of your own voice
    (disapproving)to like talking a lot or too much, usually without wanting to listen to other people
    • She’s much too fond of the sound of her own voice.
    (all) on your own
    North American Englishalone; without anyone else
    • I'm all on my own today.
    • She lives on her own.
    without help
    • He did it on his own.

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