Belonging — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ/ be·long·ing

Meaning & Definition of Belonging

Belonging (noun)

  1. possession —usually plural
  2. close or intimate relationship

Belonging (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the state of being in a very personal or private relationship

    "the warm welcome they received from the community gave them a sense of belonging"

    similar: chumminess, closeness, familiarity, inseparability, intimacy, nearness
    related: immediacy, affinity, kinship, commitment, devotedness, devotion, affection, attachment, fondness, love, passion, constancy, faithfulness, fidelity, amity, fellowship, friendship, goodwill, affability, conviviality, cordiality, geniality, mutuality, cliquishness, clubbiness
    opposite: distance
    near: aloofness, coldness, coolness, remoteness, reserve

  2. transportable items that one owns

    "packed up all their belongings and moved across the country"

    similar: chattels, duds, effects, gear, goods, holdings, movables, paraphernalia, personal effects, personal property, personalty, plunder (chiefly dialect), possession, stuff, things
    related: treasures, valuables, appointments, fixtures, furnishings, estate, property, tangibles, collateral
    near: immovables, real estate

Belonging (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to have or be in a usual or proper place

    "your shoes belong in the closet, not in the middle of the living room where people will trip on them"

    similar: going
    related: placing, staying, fitting (in)

  2. to be the property of a person or group of persons

    "those textbooks belong to the school system and not to the students"

    similar: appertaining, pertaining
    related: having, holding, owning, possessing

Related Entry: Belong (verb)

Belong is a different word from Belonging. The synonyms below are for belong, not for belonging.

  1. to have or be in a usual or proper place

    "your shoes belong in the closet, not in the middle of the living room where people will trip on them"

    similar: go
    related: place, stay, fit (in)

  2. to be the property of a person or group of persons

    "those textbooks belong to the school system and not to the students"

    similar: appertain, pertain
    related: have, hold, own, possess

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Belonging

The most common words with a similar meaning to Belonging:

Chiefly dialect: plunder
chumminess, closeness, familiarity, inseparability, intimacy, nearness, chattels, duds, effects, gear, goods, holdings, movables, paraphernalia, personal effects, personal property, personalty, possession, stuff, things, going, appertaining, pertaining

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Belonging

Words with the opposite meaning of Belonging:

distance

Related Words for Belonging

immediacy, affinity, kinship, commitment, devotedness, devotion, affection, attachment, fondness, love, passion, constancy, faithfulness, fidelity, amity, fellowship, friendship, goodwill, affability, conviviality, cordiality, geniality, mutuality, cliquishness, clubbiness, treasures, valuables, appointments, fixtures, furnishings

Near Antonyms of Belonging

aloofness, coldness, coolness, remoteness, reserve, immovables, real estate

Word Forms of Belonging

Derived words: belongingness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Belonging

First known use: 1781

Frequently Asked Questions about Belonging

What does "Belonging" mean?

"Belonging" means possession —usually plural. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: possession —usually plural. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Belonging"?

Other words for "Belonging" include chumminess, closeness, familiarity, inseparability, intimacy, nearness, chattels and duds. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Belonging" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Belonging"?

There are 65 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Belonging". Common alternatives include chumminess, closeness, familiarity, inseparability, intimacy, nearness, chattels, duds, effects and gear.

What is the opposite of "Belonging"?

Antonyms of "Belonging" include distance. Near antonyms include aloofness, coldness, coolness and remoteness.

How do you use "Belonging" in a sentence?

Examples of "Belonging" in a sentence: "the warm welcome they received from the community gave them a sense of belonging"; "packed up all their belongings and moved across the country"; "your shoes belong in the closet, not in the middle of the living room where people will trip on them".

Is "Belonging" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Belonging" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Belonging"?

"Belonging" is pronounced /bi-ˈlȯŋ-iŋ/ and divided into syllables as be·long·ing.

What is the origin of the word "Belonging"?

First known use: 1781.