about

a-bout · preposition

imported

Definitions

preposition

  1. 1.

    On the subject of; concerning.

  2. 2.

    In the area surrounding; around.

  3. 3.

    Approximately; roughly.

  4. 4.

    In various directions; here and there.

  5. 5.

    Nearly; almost (chiefly British).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    about time — Finally; at last (often expressing impatience).
  • •
    about to — On the point of doing something.
  • •
    how about — Used to make a suggestion.
  • •
    what about — Used to ask for information or make a suggestion.
  • •
    be about — Be occupied with.

Related words

See also: approximately, around, concerning, regarding
Synonyms: approximately, around, concerning, regarding

Etymology

From Old English onbūtan, from on ("on") + būtan ("outside of"), from be ("by") + ūtan ("outside").