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B1 adjective #37 mais comum 12 min de leitura

possessed

Top 37

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas possessed em 30 segundos

Explicação possessed in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might only see 'possessed' in very simple stories or movies about ghosts and monsters. It is a 'scary' word. You can think of it as meaning 'controlled by a bad spirit.' You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but you should recognize it if you see a picture of a scary person in a book. It is related to the word 'possess,' which means 'to have,' but at this level, focus on the 'scary' meaning. For example, 'The doll is possessed' means the doll is alive and bad. It is an adjective that describes something that is not acting normal because of magic or spirits. You might hear it in Halloween stories. It is a long word, so just remember the 'poss-' part is like 'possess' (to have). A possessed person is 'had' or 'taken' by a ghost.

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At the A2 level, you can start to use 'possessed' to describe people who are acting very strangely or very fast. You might say someone is running 'like they are possessed.' This doesn't mean they really have a demon; it just means they are running very, very fast and look a bit crazy. You will also see it in more movies and cartoons. Remember that it is an adjective. You can say 'He looks possessed' or 'That is a possessed house.' You should also know that 'possess' means 'to own' something, like 'I possess a phone.' But 'possessed' as an adjective is usually about spirits or acting wild. It is a good word to use when you want to describe something very intense or scary in a simple way.

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At the B1 level, you should understand the two main meanings of 'possessed.' First, the literal meaning: being controlled by an evil spirit. You should be able to use this in descriptions of books or films. Second, the metaphorical meaning: being driven by a strong emotion. For example, 'He was possessed by anger.' This means his anger was so strong he couldn't control himself. You should also learn the phrase 'like a man possessed.' This is a common idiom for someone working very hard or very fast. You are now expected to use the correct prepositions, like 'possessed BY.' You should also be able to distinguish 'possessed' from 'obsessed.' Obsessed is about your thoughts; possessed is about your actions being controlled.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'possessed' in various contexts, including more formal ones. You should learn the construction 'possessed of,' which means 'having a quality.' For example, 'She is possessed of great intelligence.' This is a more sophisticated way of speaking and writing. You should also understand the nuance of 'self-possessed,' which means being calm and in control of yourself. At this level, you should be able to use 'possessed' to add drama or emphasis to your writing. You should know that 'possessed' can be used to describe an atmosphere as well as a person. For instance, 'The forest had a possessed quality,' meaning it felt haunted or unnatural. You should also be aware of the word's history in literature.

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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the word's connotations and its place in different registers. You should be able to use 'possessed of' fluaces in academic or formal writing to describe inherent attributes. You should also recognize the word's use in psychological and sociological discussions, where 'possession' might refer to cultural phenomena or mental health states. You should be able to use the word metaphorically with precision, choosing it over 'obsessed' or 'driven' to convey a specific sense of externalized control or frantic energy. You should also be familiar with literary references where characters are possessed by ideas, such as in the works of Dostoevsky. Your use of the word should reflect an awareness of its dramatic weight.

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At the C2 level, you should master the most subtle and archaic uses of 'possessed.' This includes understanding its use in legal or very old texts where it might simply mean 'owned' in a passive sense, though this is rare today. You should be able to use 'possessed of' with a wide range of abstract nouns to create a specific, elevated tone in your prose. You should also be able to analyze the use of 'possession' as a motif in literature and film, discussing how the adjective 'possessed' functions to strip a character of their humanity or agency. Your command of the word should allow you to use it in complex metaphorical structures, perhaps even ironically. You should also be aware of the etymological journey from the Latin 'possidere' to the modern multifaceted adjective.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

possessed em 30 segundos

Controlled by a supernatural spirit or demon.
Acting with extreme, frantic energy or emotion.
Formally having a specific quality (possessed of).
Lacking personal agency due to an external force.

The adjective possessed is a multifaceted term that bridges the gap between the supernatural, the psychological, and the purely formal. In its most visceral and common cultural sense, it refers to a person who is believed to be under the absolute control of an external, malevolent entity, such as a demon or a spirit. This usage is deeply rooted in religious traditions and has been popularized by centuries of folklore and modern horror cinema. When someone is described as possessed in this context, it implies a loss of agency; their voice, actions, and even physical strength are no longer their own but are dictated by the occupying force.

Supernatural Context: Used to describe individuals in horror movies or religious accounts who exhibit abnormal behavior due to demonic influence.

Beyond the literal demons of fiction, the word is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who is driven by an overwhelming emotion or a singular, obsessive idea. If a person is working with a frantic, tireless energy that seems beyond human capability, we say they are working 'like a man possessed.' This suggests that the emotion—whether it be rage, ambition, or creative fervor—has taken such a strong hold of them that they are no longer acting with their usual restraint.

He cleaned the entire house in an hour, scrubbing the floors like a man possessed.

In a more formal and literary register, the word is used in the construction 'possessed of.' This does not imply demons or madness, but rather the simple, albeit high-level, possession of a quality, skill, or asset. For instance, a person 'possessed of great wealth' or 'possessed of a brilliant mind' is simply someone who has these things. This usage is common in 19th-century literature and formal legal or academic writing. Culturally, the word evokes strong imagery. In Western societies, the 1973 film 'The Exorcist' cemented the visual and linguistic associations of the word with supernatural horror. However, in psychological terms, 'possession' can be a way to describe dissociative states where a person feels detached from their own actions.

Metaphorical Usage: Describing intense focus or irrational behavior driven by internal passions rather than external spirits.

The artist, possessed by a sudden vision, painted until dawn without stopping for food or rest.

Formal Usage: Indicating the ownership of specific attributes or physical property in a sophisticated tone.

The candidate was possessed of a rare combination of humility and iron-willed determination.

The protagonist in the novel became possessed by the desire for revenge, leading to his eventual downfall.

Witnesses described the attacker as appearing possessed, with glazed eyes and unnatural strength.

Finally, the term 'self-possessed' is a common derivative that means calm, confident, and in control of one's feelings. This is the opposite of the standard 'possessed,' as it implies total internal agency rather than external control. Understanding these various shades of meaning—from the terrifying to the admiring—is essential for mastering English nuance.

Using the word possessed correctly requires an understanding of the prepositions that typically follow it. The choice between 'by' and 'of' changes the meaning significantly. When you use 'possessed by,' you are usually talking about an external force or a powerful emotion taking control of a person. For example, 'He was possessed by a demon' or 'She was possessed by a sudden urge to scream.' In these cases, the person is passive, and the force is active.

Possessed By: Indicates being controlled or dominated by a spirit, emotion, or idea. Example: 'Possessed by greed.'

The crowd was possessed by a collective madness after the team lost the final match.

On the other hand, 'possessed of' is a formal way to describe having a quality. It is often used to describe characters in literature or to provide a detailed description of someone's attributes. 'The diplomat was possessed of great charm' sounds much more sophisticated than 'The diplomat had great charm.' This structure is almost always followed by an abstract noun like 'intelligence,' 'courage,' 'beauty,' or 'wealth.'

Possessed Of: A formal construction meaning 'to have' or 'to be endowed with' a specific quality. Example: 'Possessed of a sharp tongue.'

Though he was poor, he was possessed of a dignity that commanded respect from everyone he met.

Another common way to use the word is in the comparative phrase 'like one possessed' or 'like a man possessed.' This is used as an adverbial phrase to describe the *manner* in which an action is performed. It highlights intensity and speed.

She ran toward the finish line like a woman possessed, breaking the world record.

The 'Like a...' Pattern: Always used to describe an action done with extreme, almost frightening intensity. Example: 'He typed like a man possessed.'

The storm lashed the coast, and the wind howled like a possessed beast.

Is he possessed? He hasn't stopped talking to himself for three hours.

It is also important to note that 'possessed' is an adjective that does not usually have a comparative form (you wouldn't say 'more possessed' unless you are being humorous). It is an absolute state in the supernatural sense, and a fixed construction in the formal sense. When describing someone who is very calm, use the related adjective 'self-possessed.' For example, 'Despite the chaos, she remained remarkably self-possessed.' This shows the versatility of the root word in describing the spectrum of human control.

The word possessed is most frequently encountered in three distinct arenas: entertainment, literature, and news reporting of extreme events. In the realm of entertainment, specifically the horror genre, 'possessed' is a keyword. You will hear it in movie trailers, read it in plot summaries, and see it in titles (e.g., 'The Possession'). In these contexts, it is almost always literal. Characters are 'possessed' by demons, spirits, or ancient curses. This has made the word a staple of pop culture vocabulary, often associated with specific tropes like levitation, speaking in tongues, or physical transformation.

Horror & Pop Culture: The word is a 'genre marker.' If you hear it in a movie review, you immediately know the film involves the supernatural.

The trailer asked the chilling question: 'What would you do if your child was possessed?'

In classical literature, the word takes on a more refined tone. Authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, or Henry James frequently used 'possessed of' to describe their characters' social standing or personal traits. In this setting, you are 'hearing' the word through the narrator's voice, setting a scene of high-society expectations and inherent qualities. It provides a sense of permanence to the character's traits.

'He was possessed of a fortune that made him the most eligible bachelor in the county.'

In news and sports reporting, you will hear the metaphorical usage. A commentator might say a striker played 'like a man possessed' after scoring three goals in five minutes. Here, it is a compliment to the player's intensity and focus. Similarly, in news reports about tragic or inexplicable crimes, witnesses might describe a perpetrator as appearing 'possessed' to convey a sense of inhuman detachment or uncontrollable rage.

Sports Commentary: Used to describe athletes who are performing at an unusually high, intense level.

The goalie defended the net like one possessed, stopping every single shot.

True Crime & News: Used by witnesses to describe someone acting with terrifying, inexplicable energy.

Neighbors said the man was possessed by a sudden fury when the argument began.

The professor, possessed of an encyclopedic knowledge of history, spoke for hours.

Finally, in religious settings, particularly those involving charismatic or Pentecostal traditions, 'possessed' is used in a theological sense regarding spiritual warfare. This is a very serious and literal use of the word, quite different from the casual sports metaphor. In summary, whether you are watching a scary movie, reading a 19th-century novel, or watching a football game, 'possessed' is a word that signals a departure from the normal, everyday state of human behavior or possession.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with possessed is confusing it with the word 'obsessed.' While both words describe a state of being intensely focused on something, they have different origins and implications. 'Obsessed' means you are thinking about something all the time (e.g., 'I am obsessed with this song'). 'Possessed' implies that the thing has actually taken control of you. You can be obsessed *with* a person, but you are possessed *by* a spirit. Using 'possessed' when you mean 'obsessed' can make your sentence sound much more dramatic or even supernatural than you intended.

Possessed vs. Obsessed: Obsessed = Thinking about it too much. Possessed = Controlled by it.

Incorrect: 'I am possessed with chocolate.' Correct: 'I am obsessed with chocolate.'

Another common error involves the incorrect use of prepositions. As mentioned before, 'possessed of' and 'possessed by' are not interchangeable. Using 'possessed of a demon' suggests the demon is a quality you naturally have, like intelligence, which is logically incorrect in most contexts. Conversely, 'possessed by great wealth' sounds like the money is a spirit controlling you, which, while perhaps metaphorically interesting, is not the standard way to say someone is rich.

Preposition Errors: Always use 'of' for qualities and 'by' for external forces.

Incorrect: 'He was possessed by a great talent.' Correct: 'He was possessed of a great talent.'

Learners also sometimes confuse 'possessed' with the simple verb 'possess.' Remember that 'possessed' is an adjective describing a state. 'He possessed the keys' (verb) means he had them in the past. 'He is possessed' (adjective) means he is currently under a spell or acting crazy.

Adjective vs. Verb: The adjective describes a person's condition; the verb describes the act of owning.

The haunted doll possessed the child (verb). The child was possessed (adjective).

She possessed a calm demeanor (verb). She was possessed of a calm demeanor (adjective phrase).

Finally, avoid overusing the word. Because it is so strong, using it for minor things (like being a little bit angry) can sound like hyperbole. If you say 'My boss was possessed this morning' because he was slightly annoyed, people might think he was literally foaming at the mouth. Use 'agitated' or 'irritable' for minor moods, and save 'possessed' for truly extreme, uncontrollable behavior.

To truly master possessed, you should know how it compares to its synonyms and when to choose one over the other. The most direct synonym in a supernatural context is 'bewitched' or 'cursed.' However, 'bewitched' often has a more positive or romantic connotation (like being under a love spell), whereas 'possessed' is almost always dark and frightening. 'Cursed' implies that bad things are happening to you, but not necessarily that something is controlling your body.

Possessed vs. Bewitched: Possessed is invasive and scary; bewitched is often magical or charming.

He was possessed by a demon. vs. He was bewitched by her beauty.

When using the metaphorical sense of being driven by emotion, synonyms include 'consumed,' 'obsessed,' or 'driven.' 'Consumed by' (e.g., 'consumed by jealousy') suggests the emotion is eating away at the person from the inside. 'Driven' (e.g., 'a driven businessman') is more positive, suggesting high motivation. 'Possessed' is the most extreme of these, suggesting a total loss of self-control.

Possessed vs. Consumed: Possessed implies external control; consumed implies internal destruction.

She was possessed by rage. vs. She was consumed by guilt.

In the formal 'possessed of' sense, synonyms include 'endowed with,' 'gifted with,' or simply 'having.' 'Endowed with' is very formal and often used for natural talents or physical features. 'Gifted with' implies a special ability. 'Possessed of' is the most neutral of the formal options, focusing on the fact of ownership rather than the source of the gift.

Possessed of vs. Endowed with: Both are formal. 'Endowed' sounds more like a blessing; 'possessed of' sounds like a description.

He was possessed of a sharp wit. vs. He was endowed with great musical talent.

The suspect acted like a man possessed, ignoring the police commands.

Finally, consider 'manic' or 'frenzied' as alternatives for the metaphorical 'possessed.' These words describe the energy without the supernatural baggage. If you say 'The kitchen was a scene of frenzied activity,' it sounds busy. If you say 'The chefs were working like they were possessed,' it sounds like a horror movie set in a restaurant. Choosing the right word depends entirely on the 'flavor' or register you want to bring to your writing.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The meaning shifted from 'owning property' to 'being owned by a spirit' in the late 14th century, reflecting the idea that a demon 'occupies' a person like a house.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /pəˈzest/

US /pəˈzɛst/

The stress is on the second syllable: po-ZESSED.

Rima com

best west test guest chest vest rest blessed (one syllable)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'ed' as a separate syllable (po-zess-ed). It should be one syllable: 'zest'.
Using a soft 's' sound instead of a 'z' sound.
Stressing the first syllable.
Confusing it with 'processed'.
Dropping the final 't' sound.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Common in fiction and news, but 'possessed of' can be tricky.

Escrita 4/5

Requires correct preposition use (by vs. of).

Expressão oral 3/5

The idiom 'like a man possessed' is very useful.

Audição 2/5

Usually clear from context, especially in horror.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

possess spirit control demon own

Aprenda a seguir

obsession fixation endowed haunted frenzied

Avançado

prepossessed dispossessed exorcism manifestation agency

Gramática essencial

Passive Voice with Adjectives

He was possessed by the spirit.

Prepositional Phrases as Adjectives

A man possessed of great wisdom.

Similes with 'Like'

She ran like a woman possessed.

Participial Adjectives

The possessed child slept soundly.

Compound Adjectives

The self-possessed leader spoke.

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Exemplos por nível

The scary doll was possessed.

A boneca assustadora estava possuída.

Adjective after the verb 'to be'.

Is that man possessed by a ghost?

Aquele homem está possuído por um fantasma?

Question form with 'by'.

I saw a possessed house in the movie.

Eu vi uma casa possuída no filme.

Adjective before the noun.

He acts like he is possessed.

Ele age como se estivesse possuído.

Simile using 'like'.

The possessed cat ran away.

O gato possuído fugiu.

Attributive adjective.

She thinks her toy is possessed.

Ela acha que o brinquedo dela está possuído.

Predicate adjective.

Don't go in there; it's possessed!

Não entre lá; está possuído!

Exclamatory use.

The possessed spirit was very loud.

O espírito possuído era muito barulhento.

Simple subject-adjective-noun.

He ran like a man possessed to catch the bus.

Ele correu como um possuído para pegar o ônibus.

Idiomatic phrase 'like a man possessed'.

The girl was possessed by a strange power.

A menina estava possuída por um poder estranho.

Passive structure with 'by'.

They told stories about a possessed forest.

Eles contaram histórias sobre uma floresta possuída.

Adjective modifying 'forest'.

She cleaned the room like she was possessed.

Ela limpou o quarto como se estivesse possuída.

Comparison of manner.

The possessed car started its own engine.

O carro possuído ligou o próprio motor.

Subject adjective.

Is it true that the jewelry is possessed?

É verdade que a joia está possuída?

Interrogative clause.

He looked possessed when he was angry.

Ele parecia possuído quando estava com raiva.

Linking verb 'looked'.

The movie is about a possessed boy.

O filme é sobre um menino possuído.

Prepositional phrase.

The artist was possessed by a sudden creative urge.

O artista foi possuído por um súbito impulso criativo.

Metaphorical use with 'by'.

He worked like a man possessed to finish the project.

Ele trabalhou como um possuído para terminar o projeto.

Idiom for intense effort.

The villagers believed the old woman was possessed.

Os aldeões acreditavam que a velha estava possuída.

Reported belief.

She felt possessed by a spirit of adventure.

Ela se sentiu possuída por um espírito de aventura.

Abstract use of 'spirit'.

The possessed man spoke in a voice that wasn't his.

O homem possuído falou com uma voz que não era a dele.

Descriptive adjective.

He was possessed by the idea of finding the treasure.

Ele estava possuído pela ideia de encontrar o tesouro.

Possessed by an idea (obsession).

The book describes a possessed object that brings bad luck.

O livro descreve um objeto possuído que traz má sorte.

Adjective modifying 'object'.

She screamed as if she were possessed.

Ela gritou como se estivesse possuída.

Subjunctive 'were' after 'as if'.

The diplomat was possessed of a remarkably calm demeanor.

O diplomata era dotado de um comportamento notavelmente calmo.

Formal 'possessed of' meaning 'having'.

He was possessed by a desire for revenge that blinded him.

Ele foi possuído por um desejo de vingança que o cegou.

Strong metaphorical use.

The old mansion seemed possessed of its own dark history.

A velha mansão parecia possuída por sua própria história sombria.

'Possessed of' used for an inanimate object's traits.

She remained self-possessed even during the crisis.

Ela permaneceu calma mesmo durante a crise.

Use of the derivative 'self-possessed'.

The athlete played like one possessed, scoring repeatedly.

O atleta jogou como um possuído, marcando repetidamente.

Comparison using 'one possessed'.

Is he possessed of the necessary skills for this job?

Ele possui as habilidades necessárias para este trabalho?

Formal interrogative 'possessed of'.

The poem speaks of a soul possessed by longing.

O poema fala de uma alma possuída pela saudade.

Literary/poetic use.

The crowd, possessed by a collective fervor, began to march.

A multidão, possuída por um fervor coletivo, começou a marchar.

Appositive adjective phrase.

The protagonist was possessed of a singular, driving ambition.

O protagonista era dotado de uma ambição única e impulsionadora.

Elevated literary style.

The witness described the defendant as acting like a man possessed.

A testemunha descreveu o réu como agindo como um homem possuído.

Idiomatic use in a formal report.

He was possessed by a preternatural sense of timing.

Ele era possuído por um senso de tempo sobrenatural.

Use of 'preternatural' to enhance 'possessed'.

The landscape, possessed of a stark beauty, was intimidating.

A paisagem, dotada de uma beleza austera, era intimidante.

Formal description of nature.

She was possessed by the conviction that she was being watched.

Ela estava possuída pela convicção de que estava sendo vigiada.

Possessed by a mental state/conviction.

The ancient text was said to be possessed of magical properties.

Dizia-se que o texto antigo era dotado de propriedades mágicas.

Passive voice with 'possessed of'.

He spoke with the intensity of one possessed by a divine vision.

Ele falou com a intensidade de quem está possuído por uma visão divina.

Complex comparative structure.

The city seemed possessed by a spirit of restless innovation.

A cidade parecia possuída por um espírito de inovação inquieta.

Metaphorical personification of a city.

The estate was possessed of a grandeur that had long since faded.

A propriedade era dotada de uma grandeza que há muito havia desaparecido.

Sophisticated use of 'possessed of' in a narrative.

He was possessed by a demon of his own making: his pride.

Ele foi possuído por um demônio de sua própria autoria: seu orgulho.

Metaphorical 'demon' representing a flaw.

The actress was possessed of a rare, luminous quality.

A atriz era dotada de uma qualidade rara e luminosa.

High-level descriptive adjective phrase.

The mob, possessed by a primal bloodlust, surged forward.

A turba, possuída por uma sede de sangue primitiva, avançou.

Intense, evocative vocabulary.

He argued his case like a man possessed, refusing to yield.

Ele defendeu seu caso como um possuído, recusando-se a ceder.

Idiomatic emphasis in a professional context.

The artifact, though small, was possessed of a heavy significance.

O artefato, embora pequeno, era dotado de um pesado significado.

Contrastive structure with 'possessed of'.

She was possessed by a melancholy that no one could soothe.

Ela estava possuída por uma melancolia que ninguém conseguia suavizar.

Abstract emotion as a possessing force.

The scholar was possessed of a mind that brooked no error.

O estudioso era dotado de uma mente que não tolerava erros.

Archaic/formal phrasing 'brooked no error'.

Colocações comuns

possessed of

possessed by

like a man possessed

demoniacally possessed

seemingly possessed

possessed by fear

possessed of wealth

quietly possessed

possessed by the spirit

possessed of intelligence

Frases Comuns

Like one possessed

— Doing something with extreme intensity.

She was dancing like one possessed.

Possessed of the devil

— An old-fashioned way to say someone is evil or crazy.

The neighbors thought he was possessed of the devil.

A man possessed

— A person acting with uncontrollable energy.

He attacked the project like a man possessed.

Possessed by an idea

— Being totally focused on one thought.

He was possessed by the idea of flight.

Possessed of his faculties

— Having one's mental abilities (usually 'in possession of').

He was still possessed of all his faculties at ninety.

Act possessed

— To behave in a wild or supernatural way.

Stop acting possessed and sit down!

Possessed by a ghost

— Literal supernatural control.

The house was possessed by a ghost.

Possessed of beauty

— Being beautiful (formal).

She was possessed of a rare beauty.

Possessed by greed

— Being controlled by the desire for money.

The king was possessed by greed.

Possessed by the urge

— Feeling a strong need to do something.

I was possessed by the urge to laugh.

Frequentemente confundido com

possessed vs obsessed

Obsessed is about thinking; possessed is about being controlled.

possessed vs processed

Processed refers to food or data; possessed refers to control or ownership.

possessed vs oppressed

Oppressed means being treated cruelly by authority; possessed means being controlled by a spirit.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Like a man possessed"

— With extreme, frantic energy.

He cleaned the kitchen like a man possessed.

informal/common

"Possession is nine-tenths of the law"

— Actually having something is more important than claiming to own it.

He has the car now, and possession is nine-tenths of the law.

legal/proverb

"Like one possessed"

— Similar to 'like a man possessed' but gender-neutral.

They fought like ones possessed.

common

"Possessed of a mind of one's own"

— Being independent (rarely used with 'possessed of').

The machine seemed possessed of a mind of its own.

literary

"To be possessed by the spirit of..."

— To act according to a certain mood or theme.

We were possessed by the spirit of Christmas.

metaphorical

"Self-possessed"

— Calm and confident.

She was a very self-possessed young woman.

formal

"Possessed of the facts"

— Knowing the truth (formal).

Once possessed of the facts, he changed his mind.

formal

"Like a woman possessed"

— Female version of the common idiom.

She ran the marathon like a woman possessed.

common

"Possessed by a vision"

— Driven by a future goal.

The inventor was possessed by a vision of a better world.

literary

"Possessed of a silver tongue"

— Being very persuasive (formal).

The salesman was possessed of a silver tongue.

literary

Fácil de confundir

possessed vs Obsessed

Both involve intense focus.

Obsessed is internal (thoughts); possessed is external (control).

I am obsessed with cars, but he drove like he was possessed.

possessed vs Haunted

Both involve spirits.

Haunted is about a place; possessed is about a person or object.

The house is haunted, and the girl is possessed.

possessed vs Endowed

Both mean 'having a quality'.

Endowed is usually positive/natural; possessed of is more formal/neutral.

She is endowed with talent and possessed of a large inheritance.

possessed vs Bewitched

Both involve magic.

Bewitched is often about attraction; possessed is about invasion.

He was bewitched by her, but the villain was possessed by a demon.

possessed vs Cursed

Both involve bad luck/spirits.

Cursed is a fate; possessed is a state of control.

The family is cursed, and the son is possessed.

Padrões de frases

Subject + is/was + possessed.

The doll was possessed.

Subject + is/was + possessed by + [Noun].

He was possessed by anger.

Verb + like a man/woman possessed.

He ran like a man possessed.

Subject + is/was + possessed of + [Quality].

She was possessed of great beauty.

Possessed of [Quality], [Subject] + [Verb].

Possessed of a sharp mind, he solved the puzzle.

Subject + seemed + possessed by + [Idea].

He seemed possessed by the idea of fame.

It was as if [Subject] were possessed.

It was as if the very trees were possessed.

A [Noun] possessed of [Attribute].

A mind possessed of singular focus.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

possession

possessor

possessiveness

Verbos

possess

repossess

Adjetivos

possessed

possessive

prepossessing

dispossessed

Relacionado

ownership

control

obsession

spirit

demon

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Como usar

frequency

Common in fiction, rare in technical speech.

Erros comuns

He is possessed with music. → He is obsessed with music.
Use 'obsessed with' for hobbies and 'possessed by' for spirits/emotions.
She is possessed by a great wealth. → She is possessed of great wealth.
Use 'of' when talking about owning qualities or money.
The man was po-zess-ed. → The man was po-zest.
The 'ed' is not a separate syllable.
He is a self-possessed demon. → He is a possessed demon.
'Self-possessed' means calm and in control, which is the opposite of 'possessed'.
The house possessed the family. → The house was possessed / The family was possessed.
As an adjective, it usually describes the state of the person/object.

Dicas

Choose the right preposition

Remember: 'By' for demons, 'Of' for talents. This is the most important rule for this word.

Use 'self-possessed' for praise

If someone stays calm in a scary situation, call them 'self-possessed'. It's a high-level compliment.

Avoid overusing in horror

If every character is 'possessed', the word loses its power. Use 'haunted' or 'influenced' for variety.

Use the idiom for emphasis

Saying 'He's working like a man possessed' is much more descriptive than 'He's working hard'.

Check the 'ed' sound

Make sure the 'ed' at the end sounds like a 't', not a separate syllable.

Look for the context

If you see 'possessed' in a 19th-century book, it probably means 'having' something, not a demon.

Use for emotions

You can be 'possessed by' rage, joy, or even a spirit of competition.

Listen for the 'z' sound

The 'ss' in 'possessed' is always voiced like a 'z'.

Use 'possessed of' in essays

It adds a sophisticated tone to your academic writing when describing attributes.

Personify objects

Describe a 'possessed' computer that won't stop crashing to add humor to your writing.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'POSSessed' person as being 'POSS-essed' (owned) by a 'BOSS' (the spirit).

Associação visual

Imagine a person with glowing eyes being pulled by invisible puppet strings.

Word Web

demon spirit control madness talent wealth obsession horror

Desafio

Try to use 'possessed by' and 'possessed of' in the same paragraph about a fictional character.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin 'possessus', the past participle of 'possidere', which means 'to occupy' or 'to hold'. It is a combination of 'potis' (able/powerful) and 'sedere' (to sit).

Significado original: To sit as a master; to have power over something.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Old French > Middle English.

Contexto cultural

Be careful using 'possessed' to describe mental health issues, as it can be seen as stigmatizing or insensitive.

Commonly used in sports and creative fields to praise high-intensity performance.

The Exorcist (Film) The Possessed (Novel by Dostoevsky) The Possession (2012 Film)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Horror Movies

possessed doll
demonic possession
possessed by a spirit
exorcising the possessed

Sports

played like a man possessed
possessed by the game
unnatural energy
unstoppable force

Literature

possessed of a fortune
possessed of beauty
possessed by a dark thought
a soul possessed

Psychology

feeling possessed
loss of agency
dissociative state
possessed by an impulse

Daily Chores

cleaning like a man possessed
cooking like one possessed
working like possessed
frantic energy

Iniciadores de conversa

"Have you ever seen a movie about a possessed object?"

"When was the last time you worked like a man possessed?"

"Do you think some people are possessed of natural talents that others can't learn?"

"What emotion makes you feel like you are being possessed by it?"

"If you were possessed of a great fortune, what would you buy first?"

Temas para diário

Describe a time you felt possessed by a strong emotion like anger or joy. How did you act?

Write a short horror story about a possessed household item, like a toaster or a chair.

Discuss the qualities you are possessed of that make you a good friend.

Do you believe in the literal meaning of being possessed, or is it always a metaphor?

Imagine you are a detective investigating a 'possessed' house. What do you find?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Usually no, but 'possessed of' a good quality is positive, and 'self-possessed' is very positive.

'By' is for spirits/emotions; 'of' is for qualities/wealth.

No, it can be used for any spirit, or metaphorically for strong emotions and ideas.

It is two syllables: puh-ZEST. The 'ed' sounds like 't'.

It can be both. As an adjective, it describes a state (The possessed man). As a verb, it is the past tense of possess (He possessed the gold).

It means doing something with extreme, almost crazy energy and speed.

Yes, in fiction, dolls, houses, and cars are often described as possessed.

It means being calm, confident, and in control of your own feelings.

The meaning 'controlled by spirits' is neutral. The construction 'possessed of' is very formal.

No, you should say 'I am obsessed with my hobby'.

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