property
UK: ˈprɒpəti | US: ˈprɑːpərti
n. something owned; a possession or asset
n. an attribute, quality, or characteristic of something
n. a piece of land or real estate
The word "property" originates from the Latin proprietas, meaning "ownership" or "peculiarity," derived from proprius ("one's own"). The morpheme "proper" retains its core sense of ownership or belonging, while the suffix "-ty" (from Latin -tas) forms abstract nouns indicating a state or condition. Over time, "property" expanded from denoting personal ownership to encompassing attributes (e.g., "chemical properties") and real estate.
The house is her most valuable property.
Scientists studied the thermal properties of the material.
He inherited the property from his grandfather.
Intellectual property laws protect inventors' rights.
The chemical has unusual solubility properties.