Belonging is a noun that describes the feeling of being accepted, valued and supported by a group, society, or community. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /bəˈlɒŋɪŋ/. The word is spelled with the -ing suffix, which indicates that it is a noun form of the verb ‘belong’. The vowel sound ‘o’ in ‘belong’ is replaced with the short ‘u’ sound in the noun form. The spelling of the word ‘belonging’ follows the phonological rules of English spelling, making it easy to understand and remember.
Belonging is a multifaceted concept that refers to the feeling of being connected, accepted, or affiliated with a person, group, place, country, or community. It encompasses the sense of identification, inclusion, and attachment that an individual experiences within various social contexts. Belonging is integral to human nature and plays a crucial role in shaping one's self-identity and overall well-being.
On an individual level, belonging involves the emotional connection and acceptance one feels amongst others or within a particular setting. It signifies the sense of being recognized, understood, and appreciated for one's unique qualities, beliefs, and experiences. This feeling of belonging nurtures a sense of security, trust, and loyalty, providing individuals with a supportive foundation for personal growth and development.
At a collective level, belonging involves the shared values, customs, and traditions that unify a group of individuals. It creates a shared identity and fosters a sense of unity, camaraderie, and solidarity. Belonging to a community or society enables individuals to actively participate, contribute, and engage in communal activities, ultimately leading to a sense of purpose, significance, and social cohesion.
Furthermore, belonging is not solely restricted to human relationships but extends to one's connection with physical spaces, such as homes, cities, or landscapes. It represents the attachment and familiarity one develops towards a specific place, offering a sense of rootedness and stability.
Overall, the concept of belonging encompasses the need for social integration, acceptance, and affiliation. It is a fundamental aspect of human existence, influencing one's sense of identity, well-being, and overall sense of fulfillment.
(Note: The above dictionary definition is a hypothetical extraction and may not precisely follow any existing dictionary entry.)
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "belonging" originated from the combination of two Old English words: "be" and "longing".
The word "longing" comes from the Old English word "langian", which means to long for or desire something.
When the prefix "be-" is added to "longing", it changes the meaning slightly to indicate something or someone that is connected or affiliated with. It carries the sense of "to be rightly associated with" or "to be a part or member of".
Over time, the words "be" and "longing" merged to form the term "belonging", which refers to the state or quality of being a member, part, or possession of a particular group, place, or thing.