belong

Meaning

Verb

1. To have its proper place.
2. To have its proper place.
3. To have its proper place.
4. To be part of, or the property of.
5. To be the spouse or partner of.
6. (followed by to) To be an element of (a set). The symbol ∈ means belongs to.
7. (obsolete) To be deserved by.

Prep

Of, belonging to.

Synonyms

pertain

belong to

go

appertain

have

beseem

be one of

inhere

reside in

come under

be

suit

subject to

go along with

inhere in

involve

join

linked

match

must

ought

owing

pertain to

possess

read

📖

sit

🪑

sound

🔉

vest

be connected

comport with

fall into classification

to be part of

be typical

part

be the work

affiliate

authorize

become

be due

befall

befit

click

consist in

fall into

fall under

feature

fit

Hyphenated as

be‧long

Pronounced as (IPA)

/bɪˈlɒŋ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: belongen

Cognate with Saterland Frisian: beloangje

Cognate with Dutch: belangen

Cognate with German: belangen

Cognate with Kriol: blanga

Cognate with Bislama: blong

Cognate with Tok Pisin: bilong

Cognate with Torres Strait Creole: blong

In summary

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”).