Reading Theme:
Belong: Meaning, Examples, and Common Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：be part of (belong)
belong
/bɪˈlɔːŋ/
v.
It means to be in the right place or group. You feel connected and accepted there.
be part of
➕
/biː pɑːrt əv/
v.
To feel that you are in the right place or group where you are accepted and connected.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
OE 'belangian' (be- + langian 'to pertain'), 'to go along with'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a bee (be) longing to join its hive.
📖 Example
When I'm with my book club, I feel like I truly belong.
When I'm with my book club, I feel like I truly belong.
🔗 Collocations
belong to – be a member of
feel like you belong – experience a sense of inclusion
belong here – be accepted in this place
🔄 Synonyms
fit in (v.) – to be suitable and accepted in a social group
be accepted (v.) – to be welcomed and included
feel at home (v.) – to feel comfortable and natural in a place
🚫 Antonyms
feel out of place (v.) – to feel uncomfortable or not accepted
be excluded (v.) – to be left out or not allowed to join
be alienated (v.) – to feel isolated from a group
🌱 Derivatives
belonging (n.) – a feeling of being accepted and included
belongings (n.pl.) – personal possessions
📖 Cultural Story
Originally a legal term in Old English meaning 'to pertain to'. Today used in psychology to describe the human need for acceptance and connection, e.g., Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Meaning 2：be put away (belong)
belong
/bɪˈlɔːŋ/
v.
It describes where something should be put. It is the correct or usual spot for that thing.
be put away
➕
/biː pʊt əˈweɪ/
v.
To be placed in the correct or usual location where it belongs.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After using the scissors, please put them back where they belong.
After using the scissors, please put them back where they belong.
🔗 Collocations
belong in the closet – should be kept in the closet
belong on the shelf – should be placed on the shelf
belong with the others – should be grouped together
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
be misplaced (v.) – to be put in the wrong location
be lost (v.) – to be unable to find its correct place
be removed (v.) – to be taken away from its proper place
🌱 Derivatives
belongings (n.pl.) – personal possessions
belonging (n.) – a sense of being accepted (rarely used for objects)
Wordbook
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