about
about Lexical Profile
about Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
On the verge of or intending to do something immediately (followed by an infinitive).
"The professor was just about to begin the lecture when the fire alarm sounded."
Moving around; active and out of bed, especially after an illness or sleep.
"After a week of rest, the patient is finally up and about."
Present, prevalent, or in circulation within a particular area.
"There is a nasty strain of influenza about this winter."
• adverb
Approximately; reasonably close to a specified number, quantity, time, or degree.
"The archaeological site dates back to about three thousand years ago."
Here and there in various directions or places; all around.
"Children were running about in the courtyard during the afternoon break."
In the opposite direction; so as to face the other way.
"The captain ordered the crew to bring the sailboat about into the wind."
• preposition
On the subject of; concerning or regarding.
"She wrote a comprehensive book about the history of modern architecture."
Situated or distributed in various places within or around an area.
"Ancient marble sculptures were scattered about the palace gardens."
Inherent in the character, demeanor, or nature of a person or thing.
"There was an unmistakable air of quiet confidence about the new director."
Surrounding or encircling on the outside.
"She wore a woven wool shawl tightly about her shoulders."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as an adjective, 'about' functions strictly in the predicate position following a linking verb (e.g., 'the rumor is about' or 'she was about to leave') and cannot precede a noun.
• Rhymes for about
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'onbūtan', meaning 'on the outside of' or 'around', formed from 'on' (on, in) and 'būtan' (outside of).