belong

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To be owned by someone.

   This coat belongs to me.

2. 2
   verb

   To be a member of a group, organization, or place.

   They belong to the same political party.

3. 3
   verb

   To be in the right or proper place.

   This book belongs on the top shelf.

4. 4
   verb

   To feel happy and accepted in a place or group.

   After years in the city, she finally felt she belonged.

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”).

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