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own1 S1 W1
[always after a possessive]
[always after a possessive]1 used to emphasize that something belongs to or is connected with a particular person or thing and not any other :
Bring your own equipment.
Every dance has its own rhythm.
The yacht was intended for the king's own personal use.
His face was only a few inches from her own.
Bring your own equipment.
Every dance has its own rhythm.
The yacht was intended for the king's own personal use.
His face was only a few inches from her own. something to call your own/which you can call your own (=something that belongs to you)
She just wanted a place to call her own.
She just wanted a place to call her own.2 used to emphasize that someone did or made something without the help or involvement of anyone else :
She makes a lot of her own clothes.
We encourage students to develop their own ideas.
She makes a lot of her own clothes.
We encourage students to develop their own ideas.3
(all) on your own
b) without anyone's help :
You can't expect him to do it all on his own.
I can manage on my own, thanks.
You can't expect him to do it all on his own.
I can manage on my own, thanks.4 if you do something for someone's own good etc, you do it to help them even though they might not like it or want it :
I'm only telling you this for your own good.
He was kept away from the other prisoners for his own safety.
for your own good/safety/benefit etc
I'm only telling you this for your own good.
He was kept away from the other prisoners for his own safety.5 used to say that someone has too much of a good quality so that it may be a disadvantage :
Stephen can be too generous for his own good.
too nice/clever etc for your own good
Stephen can be too generous for his own good.6 to do something bad to someone who has harmed you, as a way of punishing them [↪ revenge]:
She wanted to get her own back on Liz for ruining her party.
get your own back (on somebody)
informal
She wanted to get her own back on Liz for ruining her party.7 to have strong opinions and intentions that are not influenced by other people :
Hilary's very much her own woman.
be your own man/woman
Hilary's very much her own woman.8 to change or deal with something in a way that makes it seem to belong to you :
Great singers can take an old song and make it their own.
make something your own
Great singers can take an old song and make it their own.! Use own only after possessive words like my, John's, the company's etc




