belonging

be-long-ing · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The feeling of being accepted and included in a group or place.

  2. 2.

    (also present participle of belong) Being the property of; being a member of.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    sense of belonging — The feeling of being connected to and accepted by a group.
  • •
    belonging to — Being the property or member of.

Related words

Antonyms: alienation, exclusion, isolation
See also: belong, belongings, connection, inclusion
Synonyms: acceptance, affiliation, connection, membership

Etymology

From Middle English belongen ("to belong") + -ing (noun/gerund suffix).