sense of belongingness

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of belongingness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the feeling of being connected to something or someone, or having a place to belong. For example, "Having a close-knit group of friends provides me with a strong sense of belongingness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Immigration has become symbolic of the disruption of communities, the undermining of identities, the fraying of the sense of belongingness, the promotion of unacceptable change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under the title "A Creed of Democracy," there were a few pages of tenets: the "improvability of all men," "a sense of belongingness," a defense of the individual "against exploitation by special privilege or power".

The New Yorker

While some see it as a way for traditionally underrepresented students to feel a sense of belongingness, others believe that however well-intentioned, it's a regressive step back to segregation.

The Washington Post

Our research, therefore, contributes to the existing literature by examining the heterogeneous influence of affective cues on the sense of belongingness to a community, and emotional benefits from intense bonds to close members.

Computers in Human Behavior

A faithful frequency of contacts with friends, together with positive satisfaction with friendship relationships, connects individuals to a range of extra benefits, including a higher sense of belongingness, better health, and more support (Van Der Horst and Coffè 2012).

Genus

Smart consumers engage in digital environments not only for information seeking and sharing but also for receiving a sense of belongingness, finding connections and building social networks (Andrews, 2002; Zhang and Hiltz, 2003).

Fashion and Textiles

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Some are primarily inspirational in that their chief aim is to raise members' morale and combat feelings of isolation by cultivating a sense of group belongingness through slogans, rituals, testimonials, and public recognition of members' progress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The theory asserts that people hold perceived burdensomeness and a sense of low belongingness or social alienation for long enough will desires to die, namely suicidal ideation.

Plosone

The Interpersonal Theory posits that individuals come to desire suicide and increase their propensity for self-harm behavior when they perceive themselves to be a significant burden on, or liability to, others (i.e., perceived burdensomeness) and experience a sense of thwarted belongingness (e.g., sense of loneliness, not fitting in).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

In addition to empirical findings of the importance of supportive school social relationships at an ecological level for reducing risk behaviors such as drug use and delinquency [see [ 8, 9]], this contextual level of social cohesion, with or without direct individual-to-school ties, may provide a sense of social belongingness for adolescents.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

"God is dead," Nietzsche wrote, before adding: "Yet his shadow still looms". That shadow is in reality our failure to create movements and institutions that can nurture a sense of meaning and belongingness and dignity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, clearly define what constitutes "sense of belongingness" within your specific research context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone experiences or values "sense of belongingness" in the same way. Individual experiences and cultural backgrounds can significantly influence its meaning and importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of belongingness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of feeling connected and accepted within a group or environment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of belongingness" is a grammatically sound and widely recognized term used to describe the feeling of being connected, accepted, and valued within a community or group. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and everyday conversation. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, the concept remains crucial in discussions about social well-being, mental health, and community development. When using "sense of belongingness" in writing, it's essential to consider individual experiences and cultural backgrounds to avoid overgeneralization and ensure a nuanced understanding of its meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of connection

Focuses on the emotional link rather than the state of belonging.

feeling of acceptance

Emphasizes being welcomed and approved by others.

sense of community

Highlights the shared experience and mutual support within a group.

feeling of inclusion

Stresses being part of something larger and not being excluded.

sense of connection

It focuses on emotional bond with others.

feeling of being valued

Highlights the importance of one's contributions and presence.

sense of acceptance

Similar to 'feeling of acceptance' but more abstract.

feeling of being part of

Emphasizes integration and participation.

social connectedness

Focuses on the quality and extent of social relationships.

group affiliation

Highlights the association and alignment with a specific group.

FAQs

How can I foster a "sense of belongingness" in the workplace?

Promote teamwork, encourage open communication, celebrate individual contributions, and ensure that all employees feel valued and respected. Creating "feeling of inclusion" is key.

What is the difference between "sense of belongingness" and "social connectedness"?

"Sense of belongingness" refers to the subjective feeling of being accepted and integrated within a group, while "social connectedness" describes the objective existence and quality of social relationships.

How does a lack of "sense of belongingness" affect mental health?

A lack of "sense of belongingness" can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. It is a fundamental human need, and its absence can have significant negative consequences.

What are some synonyms for "sense of belongingness"?

Alternatives include "feeling of connection", "feeling of acceptance", "sense of community", and "feeling of inclusion". The best choice depends on the specific context.