What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clingy
Example
She is so clingy, always wanting to be with her boyfriend. [clingy: adjective]
Example
The child was being clingy and didn't want to let go of his mother's hand. [clingy: adjective]
possessive
Example
He is very possessive of his girlfriend and gets jealous easily. [possessive: adjective]
Example
The dog became possessive of its toy and growled when someone tried to take it. [possessive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Possessive is more commonly used than clingy in everyday language, especially when describing behavior in relationships. Possessive is a term that is widely understood and used to express controlling behavior, while clingy is less commonly used and may have a slightly milder connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clingy and possessive?
Both clingy and possessive are informal words that are commonly used in casual conversations. However, possessive can also be used in more formal contexts, such as discussing possessive behavior in psychology or sociology.
