PsychologyAugust 26, 2026
belongingness
bi-LONG-ing-nes
Definition
The psychological state or sense of being an accepted, integral part of a social group or community.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Middle English 'belongen,' meaning to relate or appertain, combined with the suffix '-ing' and the Old English '-ness' used to denote a state or quality.
In the news
The article references 'belongingness' as a fundamental human drive that explains why people use gossip as a tool to bond with others and maintain their standing within a social circle.
Psychology says people who call just to get gossip may be looking for more than drama
Read the full article ↗The Economic Times