[be.long] vb [ME belongen, fr. be- + longen to be suitable--more at long] vi (14c) 1 a: to be suitable, appropriate, or advantageous "a dictionary ~s in every home" b: to be in a proper situation "a man of his ability ~s in teaching"
2. a: to be the property of a person or thing--used with to b: to be attached or bound by birth, allegiance, or dependency c: to be a member of a club, organization, or set
3: to be an attribute, part, adjunct, or function of a person or thing "nuts and bolts ~ to a car"
4: to be properly classified ~ verbal auxiliary, chiefly Southern & southern Midland: ought, must