English word belong comes from Middle English prefix be- and the Middle English verb longen, which in turn derives from Old English langian (to pertain, to suit), which is tentatively from Proto-Indo-European *legʷh- (to be easy, quick, to move around)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *legʷh- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | to be easy, be quick, jump, move around, vary |
| *langōną | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | To desire; long for. |
| langian | Old English (ca. 450-1100) (ang) | To grieve for, pine, be pained by. To long, yearn for. |
| belongen | Middle English (1100-1500) (enm) | To have its proper place, fit, belong. |
| belong | English (en) | (followed by to) To be a part of a group.. (intransitive) To have its proper place.. (intransitive, followed by to) To be part of, or the property of.. (intransitive, followed by to) To be the spouse or partner of. (Can we add an example for this sense?). (intransitive, set theory) (followed by to) To be an element of (a set). The symbol \in means belongs to.. (obsolete, transitive) To be [...] |
| be- | (enm) | Prefix indicating proximity, attachment, closeness, etc. |
| longen | (enm) | To be fitting, be suitable. |