belongings: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal. More formal than 'stuff' but less formal than 'personal effects' or 'chattels'.
Quick answer
What does “belongings” mean?
The things that a person owns, especially those that can be carried or moved.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The things that a person owns, especially those that can be carried or moved.
Personal possessions, often implying items of sentimental or practical value that are associated with one's personal life and identity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. 'Personal effects' is a slightly more formal alternative used in both varieties, especially in legal/administrative contexts.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly more formal than 'stuff' or 'things'.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “belongings” in a Sentence
Please take all your belongings with you.The fire destroyed most of their belongings.She packed her few belongings into a suitcase.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “belongings” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- These books belong in the library.
- I feel I don't belong here.
American English
- That chair belongs in the dining room.
- He really belongs to this community.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from 'belongings')
American English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from 'belongings')
adjective
British English
- A strong sense of belonging is crucial for wellbeing.
- The belonging feeling was overwhelming.
American English
- Creating a belonging culture is a management goal.
- Her belonging to the group was never in doubt.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in insurance contexts (e.g., 'insurance for personal belongings').
Academic
Rare. Used in sociological/anthropological studies of material culture.
Everyday
Very common. Used when moving, travelling, or discussing personal security (e.g., 'Don't leave your belongings unattended').
Technical
Used in legal or police contexts as 'personal effects' (e.g., 'The deceased's belongings were inventoried').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “belongings”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “belongings”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “belongings”
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'much belongings' instead of 'many belongings').
- Using the singular 'a belonging' to refer to a single item (use 'possession' or 'item').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun. You must use plural verbs and pronouns: 'Your belongings ARE here.' (Not 'is').
Rarely. The singular form 'a belonging' is not used to mean a single possession. Use 'an item', 'a possession', or 'a thing'. The singular is used in the abstract sense of 'belonging' (feeling of being part of something).
'Belongings' is a general term for things you own. 'Luggage' specifically refers to bags and suitcases used while travelling. Your belongings go inside your luggage.
It's understandable but not a natural collocation. 'Electronic devices', 'gadgets', or 'personal electronics' are more common. 'Belongings' tends to refer to the collective whole, not a category.
The things that a person owns, especially those that can be carried or moved.
Belongings is usually neutral to formal. more formal than 'stuff' but less formal than 'personal effects' or 'chattels'. in register.
Belongings: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈlɒŋɪŋz/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈlɔːŋɪŋz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All my worldly belongings (everything I own).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Your belongings are the things you BELONG with. They go where you go.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSSESSIONS ARE PART OF THE SELF (Losing belongings feels like losing a part of oneself).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate synonym for 'belongings' in the sentence: 'She gathered her ______ before leaving the hotel.'?