about

Definitions of about in various dictionaries:

adj - on the move

adv - (of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct

adv - all around or on all sides

adv - in the area or vicinity

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

adv - in or to a reversed position or direction

adv - in rotation or succession

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

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 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; objectivity—a part of what biography is about.

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.

Ready or prepared to do something: The chorus is about to sing.

Used with a negative to indicate strong intention: I am not about to concede the point.

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

The construction not about to is often used to express determination: We are not about to negotiate with terrorists.