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How would you understand this example?

I actually belong in his world.

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I'd think that maybe she has a train to catch? – J.R. Jun 19 '12 at 17:10
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General Reference: "I belong in London" means "I am naturally suited to London, and it's best I should be there". If you belong to something/someone, you're owned, and must perforce do whatever something/someone dictates. – FumbleFingers Jun 19 '12 at 17:11
mycobuild.com/free-search.aspx – Alex B. Jun 19 '12 at 17:16

closed as general reference by FumbleFingers, J.R., Barrie England, kiamlaluno, Daniel δ Jun 27 '12 at 23:02

This question is too basic; it can be definitively and permanently answered by a single link to a standard internet reference source designed specifically to find that type of information. See the FAQ for guidance on how to improve it.

2 Answers

up vote 3 down vote accepted

"Belong(s) to" is used to express the actual origin/relation of someone/something.

"Belong(s) in" is used to express that someone/something fits better in {......}, but in reality he/it is not from {......}.

Example: He belongs in the National football team with his speed and aggression but at present, he belongs to the struggling local team.

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Although I think it's General Reference and should be closed anyway, +1 for being short & to the point, with a really slick example! – FumbleFingers Jun 19 '12 at 21:00
Indeed, it is fairly generic. Preposition questions, though, are very important. FumbleFingers has a good point about the conciseness, as well, as mine turned out to read like some saga, in addition to being loaded with speculation. – shinyspoongod Jun 19 '12 at 21:05
Thank you for the up-vote and compliment. I explained the point in a very simple manner, I'm glad that it explains the point clearly. – Fr0zenFyr Jun 20 '12 at 2:30
up vote 1 down vote

To me the phrase "I belong in this world" most likely fits with someone who was disillusioned with the way things were going, and is somehow finding a way to get on their feet again. Something like, "This place really is home" or "If I have to work here I may as well identify with something of the place" It may well describe that the person no longer feels out of place, or out of touch, with the surrounding environment. I hope you don't mind that this is quite a speculative interpretation.

The general meaning is essentially as @Fr0zenFyr described it, in that belonging to something is already having the bonds to it, and belonging in something is having a purpose or destiny in that environment, whether that be a team or workplace, or whatever else.

Another example: "He belongs to the local militia, but with his training he belongs in the national army." would be a way of stating that his membership in the local militia is existent, but that he should leave and go the national army.

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