belong

[ bih-lawng, -long ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be in the relation of a member, adherent, inhabitant, etc. (usually followed by to ):

   He belongs to the Knights of Columbus.

2. to have the proper qualifications, especially social qualifications, to be a member of a group:

   You don't belong in this club.

3. to be proper or due; be properly or appropriately placed, situated, etc.:

   Books belong in every home. This belongs on the shelf. He is a statesman who belongs among the great.

verb phrase

1. 1. to be the property of:

      The book belongs to her.

   2. to be a part or adjunct of:

      That cover belongs to this jar.

belong

/ bɪˈlɒŋ /

verb

1. foll by to to be the property or possession (of)
2. foll by to to be bound to (a person, place, or club) by ties of affection, dependence, allegiance, or membership
3. foll byto, under, with, etc to be classified (with)

   this plant belongs to the daisy family

4. foll by to to be a part or adjunct (of)

   this top belongs to the smaller box

5. to have a proper or usual place

   that plate belongs in the cupboard

6. informal.
   to be suitable or acceptable, esp socially

   although they were rich, they just didn't belong

Word History and Origins

Origin of belong¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English belongen, from be- be- + longen “to belong,” verb derivative of long (adjective), Old English gelang “belonging to, dependent on”; along ( def ), long ³( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of belong¹

C14 belongen , from be- (intensive) + longen ; related to Old High German bilangēn to reach; see long ³

Idioms and Phrases

see to the victor belong the spoils .

Example Sentences

Old Dominion won the award for vocal group of the year for a record seventh straight time, surpassing the six previous wins that belonged to Little Big Town.

From Los Angeles Times

The family cat lies sleeping among the few belongings the family have managed to bring with them from the village of Uspenivka, just outside the besieged city of Pokrovsk.

From BBC

The firm misappropriated over $11 billion of funds that belonged to customers, investors and lenders, The Associated Press reported.

From Salon

Brain regions belonging to the affective neural system responded strongly to the sound, again confirming its daunting nature.

From Science Daily

He’s trying to show he belongs after making the unconventional move from position coach to head coach.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apply
• exist
• fit
• reside