Belongings Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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belongings
[bɪˈlɒŋɪŋz ]
Definitions
personal items
Belongings refer to the things that a person owns or has with them, typically carried in a bag or suitcase. They can include clothes, accessories, documents, and other personal items.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| belongings |
Used to refer to personal items that someone owns, especially small, portable things.
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| possessions |
Generally refers to all items someone owns, but it can have a broader meaning than 'belongings,' encompassing both small items and larger, more valuable assets.
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| property |
Used in a legal or formal context to refer to something owned, especially land, buildings, or large items. It can also refer to characteristics of an entity.
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| goods |
Used in a commercial context to refer to merchandise or items for sale. This term is also used in a legal context to refer to articles of trade or personal property.
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Examples of usage
- My belongings were scattered all over the room.
- She packed her belongings and left the house.
- He lost his passport and other belongings while traveling.
household items
Belongings can also refer to the items that are part of a household, such as furniture, appliances, and decorations.
Synonyms
household goods, personal effects.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| belongings |
This term is used to refer to the items that someone owns, typically items that a person can carry with them. It's a broad term that encompasses both personal and household items.
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| household goods |
This term specifies the items that are used within a home. It often includes furniture, appliances, and other items necessary for daily home life.
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| personal effects |
This term is used to describe a person's private possessions that have personal significance. This can include items like jewelry, important documents, or small personal items.
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Examples of usage
- The moving company helped transport our belongings to the new house.
- She carefully wrapped the fragile belongings before packing them.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, personal belongings often reflect one's identity and social status, influencing how individuals are perceived by others.
- Different societies have varied practices for possessions; for example, nomadic cultures might have fewer belongings, focusing on essentials for mobility.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that our belongings can significantly impact our mental health, providing comfort and a sense of security.
- The concept of 'possessive attachment' shows how emotional bonds can form with inanimate objects, often making them feel like an extension of oneself.
Legal Context
- In legal situations, 'belongings' can refer to personal property rights, separating what is owned from what is public or community property.
- Ownership of belongings can also come into play during divorce proceedings, where the division of property is crucial.
Minimalism
- The trend of minimalism encourages individuals to reduce their belongings, focusing on quality rather than quantity to improve wellbeing.
- Minimalists advocate for living with only what is necessary, promoting a lifestyle that emphasizes experiences over material possessions.
Origin of 'belongings'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English word 'belang', meaning 'to belong to' or 'to be of importance.'
- The suffix '-ing' in Middle English was often used to create nouns to signify ongoing action or condition, turning it into 'belongings' for things that belong.
The word 'belongings' originated from the verb 'belong' in the late Middle English period. It evolved from the Old English word 'gelang', meaning 'at, on, along of'. Over time, 'belongings' came to refer to the possessions or items that belong to someone.
See also: belonging.