about

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ə'baʊ̯t/
• SAMPA: /@"baUt/

• Audio (US)

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• Audio (CAN)

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• Audio (CAN)

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Preposition

Preposition about

1. You use about to say what subject something is related to.

   Let's not talk about her problems.

2. If something moves about, it moves this way and that way.
   • Synonyms: around, near, close to and in the area of

   He walked about the place, looking everywhere.

3. Having to do with, concerning, regarding.
   • Synonyms: on, concerning, regarding and related to

   I will talk about dogs.

Adverb

Positive about

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. You use about before a number or amount, to say that it may be a little more or a little less.
   • Synonym: almost

   We're here just about every week.

   About two years ago, I started skiing.

   They're about the same.

Adjective

Positive about

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. Something is about to happen, it will happen very soon; almost going to happen.

   Please be seated. We're about to begin.

Related words

• roundabout