Title
TIE-tuhl
/ˈtaɪtl/
The legal right to own and control property; a document proving ownership.
In real estate, 'title' refers to the legal ownership of a property. A 'clear title' means there are no liens, claims, or encumbrances against the property that would prevent its sale or transfer.
The story behind the word. The word 'title' comes from the Latin 'titulus', which meant an 'inscription, label, or heading'. Think of an inscription on a monument or a label on a scroll. Over time, it evolved to mean a legal right or claim, particularly to property, because such rights were historically 'inscribed' or 'labeled' in official documents. So, having a 'title' means your ownership is officially 'labeled' or recorded.
Word relationships
- Ownership: General term; 'title' is the specific legal right of ownership, especially for property.
- Proprietorship: Formal term for ownership, often of a business.
Commonly confused with
- Deed: The 'deed' is the physical document used to transfer 'title'. 'Title' is the legal concept of ownership itself.
Collocations
- clear title
- title search
- title insurance
- transfer title
- cloud on title
Example sentences
- "Before purchasing the land, the buyer's attorney conducted a thorough title search to ensure there were no outstanding claims." Ensuring clear title is crucial for property transactions.
- "Upon the final payment of the mortgage, the bank released the title to the homeowners, making them full owners." Transferring title is a legal process.
Memory hook
Your TITLE gives you the legal RIGHT to property, like a royal TITLE gives a king his rights. Right to own
When not to use
Do not confuse 'title' (ownership) with 'deed' (the document that transfers ownership).
Fun facts
- In many jurisdictions, 'title insurance' is purchased to protect buyers and lenders against financial loss from defects in title to real property.
Explore more words
Properties, easement, Right, entitlement, provenance, Acquisition
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