belong

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to be owned by

   The coat belongs to me.

2. 2
   verb

   to be a part or adjunct

   The uniform looks like it belonged to a museum collection.

3. 3
   verb

   to be rightly classified in a class or category

   The whales belong among the mammals.

4. 4
   verb

   to be suitable or acceptable

   This student somehow doesn't belong.

5. 5
   verb

   to be in the right place or situation

   Where do these books belong?

6. 6
   verb

   to be a member, adherent, or inhabitant of a group, organization, or place

   They belong to the same political party.

7. 7
   verb

   To have its proper place.

   Where does this book belong? It belongs on the top shelf.

8. 8
   verb

   To be part of, or the property of.

   That house belongs to me.

Etymology

From Middle English belongen, bilongen, from Middle English be- + longen (“to be fitting, be suitable”), from Old English langian (“to pertain to, suit”), equivalent to be- + long (“to belong”). Compare Saterland Frisian beloangje (“to attain, reach, meet”), Dutch belangen (“to concern”), German belangen (“to sue, concern”).