Belonging

/bɪˈlɒŋɪŋ/

nounIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

The state or feeling of being accepted as a member or part of a group, family, or community.

/bɪˈlɒŋɪŋ/

nounpositiveIntermediate
General

The state of feeling connected or accepted.

She found a sense of belonging in the hiking club.

💡 Simply: Feeling like you fit in.

More Examples

2

The feeling of belonging is essential to human happiness.

How It's Used

Psychology

"The sense of belonging is crucial for mental well-being."

Sociology

"Studies show a strong correlation between social belonging and life satisfaction."

Idioms & expressions

sense of belonging

The feeling of being accepted and valued by a group.

"He found a strong sense of belonging in his new community."

From Middle English *belonging, from belong + -ing.

The word 'belonging' has consistently referred to the state of being part of a group, though its psychological connotations have become more prominent in recent centuries.

Memory tip

Think of a place where you feel 'longing' to be – that's the feeling of belonging.

Base: belong
belonggingbelongin

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written