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Definition of belongingness

belongingness

/bɪˈlɔːŋ.ɪŋ.nəs/
be · long · ing · ness
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belongingness Lexical Profile

belongingness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The human emotional need or feeling of being accepted, valued, and securely connected as a member of a social group or community.

Example

"Fostering a strong sense of belongingness in the classroom helps students engage more deeply with their peers."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

belo horizonte
belong
belonging
belongingness
belongings
beloved
below

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century by American psychologist Edward L. Thorndike in the context of learning theory, and later popularized by Abraham Maslow as a fundamental human motivation in his hierarchy of needs.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Belongingness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/belongingness
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