Definitions for the word "about" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. prep.
Around; all round; on every side of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. prep.
In the immediate neighborhood of; in contiguity or proximity to; near, as to place; by or on (one's person).
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. prep.
Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. prep.
Near; not far from; -- determining approximately time, size, quantity.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. prep.
In concern with; engaged in; intent on.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. prep.
On the point or verge of; going; in act of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. prep.
Concerning; with regard to; on account of; touching.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. adv.
On all sides; around.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. adv.
In circuit; circularly; by a circuitous way; around the outside; as, a mile about, and a third of a mile across.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. adv.
Here and there; around; in one place and another.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. adv.
Nearly; approximately; with close correspondence, in quality, manner, degree, etc.; as, about as cold; about as high; -- also of quantity, number, time.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. adv.
To a reserved position; half round; in the opposite direction; on the opposite tack; as, to face about; to turn one's self about.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. prep.
1 a on the subject of (a book about birds). B relating to (glad about it). C in relation to (symmetry about a plane). 2 at a time near to (about six). 3 a in, round (walked about the town; a scarf about her neck). B all round from a centre (look about you). 4 at points in (strewn about the house). 5 carried with (no money about me). 6 occupied with (about her business). adv. 1 a approximately (about ten miles). B colloq. In an understatement (just about had enough). 2 nearby (a lot of flu about). 3 in every direction (look about). 4 on the move; in action (out and about). 5 in rotation or succession (turn and turn about). be about (or all about) colloq. Have as its essential nature (life is all about having fun). Be about to be on the point of (was about to laugh). [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "about" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
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