What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obsessive
Example
He has an obsessive need to check his phone every five minutes. [obsessive: adjective]
Example
She couldn't stop thinking about the mistake she made, it was becoming obsessive. [obsessive: gerund or present participle]
possessive
Example
He's very possessive of his girlfriend and doesn't like her talking to other guys. [possessive: adjective]
Example
The company's possessive attitude towards their intellectual property hindered innovation. [possessive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Possessive is more commonly used than obsessive in everyday language. Possessive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while obsessive is less common and is often associated with mental health issues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obsessive and possessive?
While obsessive is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its association with mental health, possessive is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
