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ABOUT
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
On the move
Example:
the whole town was astir over the incident
Synonyms:
about; astir
Classified under:
Similar:
active (characterized by energetic activity)
II. (adverb)
Sense 1
Meaning:
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
Example:
20 or so people were at the party
Synonyms:
about; approximately; around; close to; just about; more or less; or so; roughly; some
Classified under:
Sense 2
Meaning:
In the area or vicinity
Example:
waited around for the next flight
Synonyms:
about; around
Classified under:
Sense 3
Meaning:
All around or on all sides
Example:
she looked around her
Synonyms:
about; around
Classified under:
Adverbs
Sense 4
Meaning:
In or to a reversed position or direction
Example:
suddenly she turned around
Synonyms:
about; around
Classified under:
Adverbs
Sense 5
Meaning:
Used of movement to or among many different places or in no particular direction
Example:
she sleeps around
Synonyms:
about; around
Classified under:
Adverbs
Sense 6
Meaning:
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
Example:
most everyone agrees
Synonyms:
about; almost; most; near; nearly; nigh; virtually; well-nigh
Classified under:
Adverbs
Sense 7
Meaning:
In rotation or succession
Example:
turn about is fair play
Classified under:
Adverbs
Context examples:
I am about to be married.
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Again, what’s it all about? Why have I kept you here?
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
What does he say about the cravat?
(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
But about a month ago, at the end of June, I saw for the first time signs of trouble.
(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
“But it is,” returned she; “for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it.”
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
An asteroid, designated 2004 BL86, will safely pass about three times the distance of Earth to the moon on January 26.
(Asteroid to Fly By Earth on January 26, NASA)
“And now one word more: it was Hyde who dictated the terms in your will about that disappearance?”
(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
About eleven I was glad to go to bed.
(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
The lubbers is going about to get the wind of me this blessed moment; lubbers as couldn't keep what they got, and want to nail what is another's.
(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
It was easy to see by their dress and manner that they were two of those wandering students who formed about this time so enormous a multitude in every country in Europe.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
