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belong

v.
US //bɪˈɫɔŋ// UK //bɪlˈɒŋ// be·long
  1. 1 ownership (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to be the property of someone.

    to be the property of a person or entity; used with the preposition 'to'.

    Example

    Does this umbrella belong to you, or did someone leave it behind?

    Example

    The disputed territory has belonged to the crown for centuries, though recent legal challenges have questioned the validity of the original deed.

    Usage

    Always used with 'to' when indicating an owner.
    • pertain to
    Pitfall
    This book is belonging to me.
    This book belongs to me.

    The verb 'belong' is a stative verb and is rarely used in the continuous (-ing) form.

  2. 2 membership (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to be a member of a group, club, or organization.

    to be a member of a particular group, organization, or social class.

    Example

    She belongs to a local swimming club that meets every Tuesday.

    Example

    He never felt that he truly belonged to the academic elite, despite his significant contributions to the field of linguistics.

    Usage

    Usually followed by 'to' and a noun phrase representing the group.
    • be a member of
    • associate with
    • be excluded
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  1. 3 proper place (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to be in the right or natural position.

    to be in a correct, proper, or appropriate location or situation.

    Example

    The forks belong in the top drawer next to the knives.

    Example

    After years of travelling, she finally found a small coastal town where she felt she truly belonged.

    Usage

    Often followed by a preposition of place like 'in', 'on', or 'under'.
    • be out of place
  2. 4 mathematics (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    to be a part of a set of numbers or objects.

    to be an element of a mathematical set.

    Example

    In this equation, the variable x belongs to the set of real numbers.

    Example

    The proof demonstrates that any integer satisfying these conditions must necessarily belong to the subset of prime numbers.

    Usage

    Used with 'to' to indicate set membership.

Etymology 1

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”).

Etymology 2

Compare Australian Kriol blanga, Bislama blong, Tok Pisin bilong, and Torres Strait Creole blong.

Word family

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