v.intr. 1 (foll. by to) a be the property of. b be rightly assigned to as a duty, right, part, member, characteristic, etc. c be a member of (a club, family, group, etc.). 2 have the right personal or social qualities to be a member of a particular group (he's nice but just doesn't belong); (foll. by in, under). a be rightly placed or classified. b fit a particular environment. belongingness n.
[ ME f. intensive BE- + longen belong f. OE langian (gelang at hand) ]