own

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to admit that something is true or to take responsibility for your actions.

v. to acknowledge, confess, or accept responsibility for a situation or action; often used with 'up to'.

“It takes a lot of courage to own your mistakes instead of blaming others.”

“The CEO was forced to own the failure of the merger during the annual shareholders' meeting.”

C1 · Advanced Computing Slang · Informal

v. to defeat someone completely or show that you are much better than them.

v. to utterly defeat, embarrass, or dominate an opponent, particularly in gaming or competitive contexts.

“Our team totally owned the other side in the final match.”

“After months of practice, the young grandmaster completely owned his opponent in the opening phase of the tournament.”

A1 · Beginner

det. used to emphasize that something belongs to a particular person and no one else.

det. an intensifying determiner used after a possessive to emphasize individual ownership or personal agency.

“I would love to have my own room so I don't have to share with my brother.”

“Every artist eventually develops their own unique style after years of imitating the masters they admire.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Slang · Informal

n. a situation where someone is made to look foolish or is defeated badly.

n. a decisive instance of defeating or humiliating an opponent, often through a clever retort or superior skill.

“That comeback was a total own; he didn't know what to say.”

“The politician's attempt to discredit the journalist resulted in a massive self-own when his previous statements were read aloud.”