Possum vs Opossum | What’s the Difference?
Although “possum” and “opossum” are often used interchangeably, they’re actually two distinct animals.
Possums are marsupials that are native to Australia and the nearby islands of New Guinea and Sulawesi. On the other hand, opossums—which are also marsupials—can be found throughout the Americas.
Possums and opossums differ in several ways, in addition to their geographic distribution.
| Possums | Opossums |
|---|---|
| Belong to the order diprotodontia | Belong to the order didelphimorphia |
| Can weigh from half an ounce to twenty pounds (varies by species) | Can weigh from two to fourteen pounds (varies by species) |
| Often have bushy tails, but this varies | Have bare tails |
| Rounded features | Pointed features with coarse hair |
How to spell and pronounce opossum
The animal found in the Americas—the one that you may come across rummaging through your garbage at night—is typically spelled with an “o” at the start, especially in scientific contexts.
The word “opossum” was derived from a Powhatan word (the language spoken by the Virginia Algonquian tribe), meaning “white dog” or “dog-like beast.”
There are two recognized pronunciations for “opossum.” In scientific and academic contexts, the pronunciation “uh-paw-sum” is preferred. In casual conversation, the word can be pronounced like “possum” (which sounds like “paw-sum”). The initial syllable can be voiced or silent, as both pronunciations are recognized and understood.
Opossums have a bad reputation, but they’re actually very clean and vital animals.
Last night, I saw a family of opossums in our backyard.
How to spell and pronounce possum
The word “possum” refers to the marsupial that is native to Australia and the nearby islands. The correct spelling when referring to this animal is always with a “p” at the start, not an “o.”
However, this spelling (“possum”) is also acceptable when referring to the animal that is commonly found in the Americas, especially when used in casual contexts.
In both cases, “possum” is pronounced “paw-sum.” The two animals have such similar names because possums were named that way due to their resemblance to opossums.
While in Australia, everyone wanted to see a koala, but I wanted to see a possum.
I learned that there are many species of possums.
“Possum” is sometimes incorrectly spelled as “possom.”
- I think I saw a possom climbing around in a tree.
- I think I saw a possum climbing around in a tree.
What does playing possum mean?
“Play possum” is an idiom that means “pretend to be dead or asleep to deceive someone.” For example, you may play possum if you’re trying to get out of doing your chores.
This idiom came to be because opossums, particularly the Virginian opossums, display a behavior in which they pretend to be dead as a form of self-defense.
When using this idiom, make sure to use the word (and pronunciation) “possum” and not “opossum” (with a voiced first syllable).
- My little sister didn’t want to leave the party, so she played opossum.
- My little sister didn’t want to leave the party, so she played possum.
Frequently asked questions about possum vs opossum
- Are a possum and opossum the same?
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No, possums and opossums are distinct animals. Possums are found in Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi; opossums are found throughout the Americas.
- Is the “o” in “opossum” silent?
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The “o” in “opossum” can be voiced or silent, meaning it can be pronounced “uh-paw-sum” or “paw-sum.” However, the former pronunciation is preferred in scientific and academic settings.
