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belonging

/biˈlɑŋɪŋ/
/bəˈlɒŋɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: belongings

Belonging is a sense of fitting in or feeling like you are an important member of a group. A really close family gives each of its members a strong sense of belonging.

When you belong, you are an official part of a group ("She belongs to the French club") or you're compatible with certain people or suited to a specific place ("I just belong in nature"). A feeling of belonging describes this sense of truly fitting or meshing, especially with friends, family members, or other sympathetic folks.

Definitions of belonging
  1. noun
    happiness felt in a secure relationship
    “with his classmates he felt a sense of belonging
    see moresee less
    types:
    comfortableness
    a feeling of being at ease in a relationship
    closeness, intimacy
    a feeling of being intimate and belonging together
    togetherness
    affectionate closeness
    type of:
    happiness
    emotions experienced when in a state of well-being
Pronunciation
US
/biˈlɑŋɪŋ/
UK
/bəˈlɒŋɪŋ/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘belonging'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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