have/has
|have|
/hæv/
(have)
possessing or experiencing
Etymology
'have' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'habban', where the Proto-Germanic root '*habjaną' meant 'to hold'.
'have' changed from the Old English word 'habban' and through Middle English forms such as 'haven'/'have' it developed into the modern English 'have'.
Initially, it meant 'to hold or possess', and over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'to own/possess' and also as an auxiliary used to form perfect tenses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who has wealth or possessions; often used in plural as 'the haves' contrasted with 'the have-nots'.
The haves and the have-nots argued about taxes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to experience or undergo (an event or action), often used with nouns like 'a shower', 'a good time', etc.
We have a meeting every Monday.
Synonyms
Verb 3
to cause or arrange for someone to do something (causative: 'have someone do something').
I have my assistant send the report.
Synonyms
Verb 4
third person singular present form of 'have'.
She has two cats.
Verb 5
past tense or past participle form of 'have' (used for past possession, past perfect constructions, etc.).
They had lunch at noon.
Auxiliary Verb 1
used with a past participle to form the perfect aspect (e.g., 'I have eaten').
She has finished her work.
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/10/08 15:02