about

UK: əˈbaʊt | US: əˈbaʊt

Definition

  1. prep. on the subject of; concerning

  2. adv. approximately; nearly

  3. adj. moving around; active

Structure
a <on, at>bout <turning, circuit>
Etymology

The word "about" originates from Old English abūtan, combining a- (meaning "on" or "at") and būtan (from be- "by" + ūtan "outside," related to turning or circling). Over time, it evolved to signify proximity, approximation, or general reference, reflecting the idea of being "around" a subject or location.

Examples

  1. She told me a story about her childhood.

  2. The meeting will start at about 3 PM.

  3. He wandered about the city all day.

  4. There were about fifty people at the event.

  5. The cat was curious and always poking about.