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Belonging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค
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belonging

[bษชหˆlษ’ล‹ษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of attachment

Being a part of a particular group or category; feeling connected or associated with something or someone.

Synonyms

associated, connected, related.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
belonging

Use this when talking about a sense of fitting into a group or place. It implies a personal connection or being part of something.

  • She had a strong feeling of belonging at the new school.
  • His sense of belonging to the community was evident.
connected

This word is suitable for talking about a direct link or relationship between objects, people, or ideas. It often implies an important or essential relationship.

  • All the computer systems are connected to the main server.
  • Their families have been connected for generations.
associated

This is used when discussing a formal or casual connection between things, people, or ideas. It can imply a loose or non-essential connection.

  • The company is associated with many charitable organizations.
  • Certain risks are associated with the project.
related

Use this when describing a connection by family or lineage, or discussing how two things share common features or origins.

  • They discovered they were related through a distant ancestor.
  • These two topics are closely related.

Examples of usage

  • I have a strong sense of belonging to my community.
  • She feels a deep sense of belonging to the team.
Context #2 | Noun

membership

The state of being a member of a particular group or organization.

Synonyms

affiliation, inclusion, membership.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
belonging

This word is often used to express a sense of being part of a group or place, emotionally or socially.

  • She felt a strong sense of belonging in her new community.
  • The club gave him a feeling of belonging he had never experienced before.
membership

This is used to describe the state of being a member of a group or organization, often involving some form of commitment.

  • His gym membership expires next month.
  • Membership in the book club comes with several perks.
inclusion

This word emphasizes the act of including or being included within a group or structure. It often has a positive connotation related to diversity and acceptance.

  • The new policies promote greater inclusion of minority groups.
  • Her inclusion in the team was seen as a step towards more diversity.
affiliation

This term is more formal and is used to describe a formal connection or association with an organization or group.

  • His affiliation with the university opened many doors for him.
  • The companyโ€™s affiliation with international networks boosted its credibility.

Examples of usage

  • She found a sense of belonging in the new club.
  • Belonging to the society brought her joy and fulfillment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that feeling a sense of belonging boosts mental health and happiness.
  • Social connections help humans experience lower stress levels, as belonging creates a safety net of support.
  • In studies, children with strong feelings of belonging at school perform better academically and socially.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures emphasize the importance of community, where belonging is a core value in traditions and practices.
  • Rituals and gatherings are often designed to enhance feelings of belonging among participants, such as family reunions and festivals.
  • In Indigenous cultures, belonging to the land and community shapes identity and collective responsibility.

Literature

  • In many novels, like 'The Outsiders' by S.E. Hinton, belonging is a central theme for characters seeking connection and acceptance.
  • Poets often explore the longing for belonging, capturing the deep emotional need to connect with others.
  • Childrenโ€™s literature frequently features stories about friendship to illustrate the importance of belonging early in life.

Social Media

  • Online communities often foster belonging by connecting people through shared interests and experiences.
  • Hashtags like #Belonging and #CommunityBuilding are used to create spaces where individuals express their sense of belonging.
  • Influencers and content creators often emphasize belonging to promote positivity among their followers.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Martin Heidegger pondered the idea of belonging in relation to existence and home.
  • Numerous philosophical discussions revolve around whether itโ€™s innate to seek belonging or if it is a learned behavior.
  • The concept of belonging can raise questions about identity, individualism, and community roles.

Origin of 'belonging'

The word 'belonging' originated from the Middle English word 'bilangen', which meant 'to be the property of'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the sense of attachment and membership we understand today. The concept of belonging has always been important to human societies, as it provides a sense of identity and connection to others.

See also: belongings.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,648, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.