Meaning of 'about'

adverb

imprecise quantities but fairly close to correct

Example: "Last night's bill was about twenty dollars."

Synonyms: close to just about some roughly more or less around or so approximately

adverb

in the area or vicinity

Example: "a few spectators standing about"

Synonyms: around

adverb

all around or on all sides

Example: "dirty clothes lying around (or about)"

Synonyms: around

adverb

in or to a reversed position or direction

Example: "about face"

Synonyms: around

adverb

used of movement to or among many different places or in no particular direction

Example: "wandering about with no place to go"

Synonyms: around

adverb

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished

Synonyms: almost most nearly near nigh well-nigh

adverb

in rotation or succession

Example: "turn about is fair play"

adjective

on the move

Synonyms: astir