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about - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'about' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . About [ adv.]
- On all sides; around.
- In circuit; circularly; by a circuitous way; around the outside; as, a mile about, and a third of a mile across.
- Here and there; around; in one place and another.
- Nearly; approximately; with close correspondence, in quality, manner, degree, etc.; as, about as cold; about as high; -- also of quantity, number, time.
- To a reserved position; half round; in the opposite direction; on the opposite tack; as, to face about; to turn one's self about.
2 . About [ prep.]
- Around; all round; on every side of.
- In the immediate neighborhood of; in contiguity or proximity to; near, as to place; by or on (one's person).
- Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.
- Near; not far from; -- determining approximately time, size, quantity.
- In concern with; engaged in; intent on.
- On the point or verge of; going; in act of.
- Concerning; with regard to; on account of; touching.

Meaning of 'about' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . about [ r]
Meaning (1):
- (of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
Example in sentence:
  • 20 or so people were at the party;
  • he's about 30 years old;
  • holds 3 gallons, more or less;
  • I've had about all I can stand;
  • in just about a minute;
  • lasted approximately an hour;
  • roughly $3,000;
  • some forty people came;
  • we meet about once a month;
  • weighs around a hundred pounds
Meaning (2):
- in the area or vicinity
Example in sentence:
  • a few spectators standing about;
  • hanging around;
  • waited around for the next flight
Meaning (3):
- in or to a reversed position or direction
Example in sentence:
  • about face;
  • suddenly she turned around
Meaning (4):
- all around or on all sides
Example in sentence:
  • dirty clothes lying around (or about);
  • let's look about for help;
  • she looked around her;
  • There were trees growing all around
Meaning (5):
- (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
Example in sentence:
  • he nearly fainted;
  • I was near exhausted by the run;
  • most everyone agrees;
  • talked for nigh onto 2 hours;
  • the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded;
  • the car all but ran her down;
  • the job is (just) about done;
  • the recording is well-nigh perfect;
  • virtually all the parties signed the contract;
  • we're almost finished
Meaning (6):
- used of movement to or among many different places or in no particular direction
Example in sentence:
  • he needs advice from someone who's been around;
  • news gets around (or about);
  • people were rushing about;
  • she sleeps around;
  • traveled around in Asia;
  • wandering about with no place to go
Meaning (7):
- in rotation or succession
Example in sentence:
  • turn about is fair play
8 . about [ s]
Meaning (8):
- on the move
Example in sentence:
  • the whole town was astir over the incident;
  • up and about

Nearby Words:

aboard abodance abode abodement aboding abolish abolishable abolished abolisher abolishing

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