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The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms INTRO ...

The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms INTRO ...

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thoroughgoing; egregious, glaring, stark, sheer, outright,<br />

unqualified, unequivocal: You were a positive idiot not to let<br />

me know you needed help. All attempts at reconciliation ended<br />

in positive disaster.<br />

positively<br />

adv. definitely, absolutely, unquestionably, certainly, (most)<br />

assuredly, undeniably, undoubtedly, surely, to be sure,<br />

emphatically, unmistakably or unmistakeably, unqualifiedly,<br />

categorically, indisputably, beyond or without (a shadow <strong>of</strong>) a<br />

doubt, indubitably, beyond question: <strong>The</strong> wine list at Le<br />

MaŒtre's is positively the best in the area.<br />

possess v. 1 be possessed or in possession <strong>of</strong>, have, own, enjoy, be<br />

blessed or endowed with: In the 19th century, the family<br />

possessed great wealth. 2 have, be born or gifted or endowed<br />

with, contain, embody, embrace, include: He possesses a talent<br />

to amuse people. Man does not possess as keen a sense <strong>of</strong> smell<br />

as many animals. 3 dominate, control, govern, consume, take<br />

control <strong>of</strong>, preoccupy, obsess; charm, captivate, enchant, cast a<br />

spell over, bewitch, enthral: What possessed her to think that<br />

I could help? He behaves as if he is possessed by the devil. 4<br />

be possessed with or <strong>of</strong>. have, be held or influenced or<br />

dominated by, be imbued or inspired or permeated or affected<br />

with: She became possessed with the notion that she could sing.<br />

Fiona believes herself the only person possessed <strong>of</strong> reason. 5<br />

possess oneself <strong>of</strong>. acquire, achieve, get, come by, gain, come<br />

into, win, obtain, procure, secure, take, seize, take or gain<br />

possession <strong>of</strong>: Kevin has possessed himself <strong>of</strong> the only<br />

comfortable bed in the place.<br />

possessed adj. obsessed, driven, controlled, dominated, ridden,<br />

bedevilled, consumed, haunted, pressed, maddened, crazed,<br />

demented, frenzied, Colloq eaten up: He behaved like a man<br />

possessed.<br />

possession<br />

n. 1 ownership, title, proprietorship, control, hold, tenure,<br />

keeping, care, custody, guardianship, protection: <strong>The</strong> paintings<br />

are now in my possession. 2 holding, territory, province,<br />

dominion, colony, protectorate: How long will the Falkland<br />

Islands remain a possession <strong>of</strong> the Crown? 3 possessions.<br />

belongings, property, effects, chattels, assets, worldly goods,

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