belonging: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, leaning formal. Common in psychological, sociological, and educational contexts, as well as everyday emotional discourse.
Quick answer
What does “belonging” mean?
The feeling of being connected, accepted, and at home with a person, group, or place.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The feeling of being connected, accepted, and at home with a person, group, or place.
The state of fitting in, being suitable for, or forming a rightful part of something (e.g., a category or system). Also, a close personal relationship, often involving emotional security.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal semantic difference. Slightly more common in American discourse on social identity and community.
Connotations
Both emphasise community and acceptance. In UK contexts, it can subtly relate to class or social position.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “belonging” in a Sentence
a sense of belonging (to/with/in + group/place)belonging to + groupa feeling of belonging (among + people)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “belonging” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- That book belongs on the top shelf.
- Do you feel you belong here?
American English
- This tool belongs in the garage.
- They really belong together as a couple.
adjective
British English
- She has a strong belonging feeling towards her hometown.
American English
- The belonging need is fundamental in human psychology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Fostering a sense of belonging to improve team cohesion and employee retention.
Academic
Studying the psychological need for belonging as per Maslow's hierarchy.
Everyday
Talking about feeling at home in a new neighbourhood or group of friends.
Technical
In philosophy/sociology, discussing identity, community, and social integration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “belonging”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “belonging”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “belonging”
- Using 'belongings' (possessions) instead of 'belonging' (the feeling).
- Incorrect preposition: 'belonging with' instead of 'belonging to' for membership.
- Treating it as only a verb form, not recognising it as a standalone noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun (the feeling). It is also the -ing form of the verb 'to belong'.
'Belonging' (uncountable) is a feeling. 'Belongings' (plural) are your personal possessions or things you own.
Yes, it can describe the state of being part of a category or system, e.g., 'The document's belonging to the 18th century is undisputed.'
The strongest are 'sense of belonging' and 'feeling of belonging'. Also common are 'foster belonging' and 'community belonging'.
The feeling of being connected, accepted, and at home with a person, group, or place.
Belonging is usually neutral, leaning formal. common in psychological, sociological, and educational contexts, as well as everyday emotional discourse. in register.
Belonging: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈlɒŋɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈlɔːŋɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A sense of belonging”
- “To find one's belonging”
- “To feel a sense of belonging”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a song (a 'long' song) that you love—it gives you a feeling of BELONGING because it connects to your memories and identity. BE + LONGING = having a lasting connection you long for.
Conceptual Metaphor
BELONGING IS BEING AT HOME / BELONGING IS BEING A PART OF A BODY (an integral limb or organ).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the core meaning of 'belonging' as a noun?