posse

/ˈpɒsi/PAH-see

/ˈpɑsi/PAH-see

Meaningto be able

Common meaning: a group gathered to help the law

posseto be able; powerfulLewis & Short, Latin Dictionary (1879), p. 1408 · scan

Journey through time

Latinposse‘to be able’source
Englishposse‘a group gathered to help the law’ · today

Sources & notes

Meaning: “Meaning” is the sense that emerges from the word’s roots; “Common meaning” is today’s everyday sense. Both written by us.

Pronunciation

UK IPA: converted from the US form by rule (unchecked). Respelling: generated.
No UK recording; the speaker uses your device’s en-GB voice.
US IPA: CMUdict (BSD-2), converted to IPA by rule. Respelling: generated.
No US recording; the speaker uses your device’s en-US voice.

Origin: Built on Latin possum; potēns ‘to be able’.

Roots

possum; potēns Latin “to be able; powerful”

Related words

omnipotent possible potent potential

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