about: meaning and definitions

Approximately; nearly: The interview lasted about an hour.

Almost: The job is about done.

To a reversed position or direction: Turn about and walk away slowly.

In no particular direction: wandering about with no place to go.

All around; on every side: Let's look about for help.

In the area or vicinity; near: spoke to a few spectators standing about.

In succession; one after another: Turn about is fair play.

On the verge of; presently going to. Used with the infinitive: The chorus is about to sing.

Usage Problem Used to show determination or intention in negative constructions with an infinitive: I am not about to concede the point.

On all sides of; surrounding: I found an English garden all about me.

In the vicinity of; around: explored the rivers and streams about the estate.

Almost the same as; close to; near.

In reference to; relating to; concerned with: a book about snakes.

In the act or process of: While you're about it, please clean your room.

In the possession or innate character of: Keep your wits about you.

Moving here and there; astir: The patient is up and about.

Being in evidence or existence: Rumors are about concerning his resignation.