about

/əˈbaʊt/
preposition
  1. On the subject of; concerning.
    • We had a long discussion about the environment.
    • What do you think about the new movie?
    • She wrote a book about her travels in Asia.
  2. Used to indicate movement within a particular area or in various directions.
    • He wandered about the city, exploring every street.
    • Papers were scattered about the room.
    • The children were running about the playground.
  3. Used to indicate a time or number that is approximate.
    • There were about fifty people at the concert.
    • The meeting will start at about three o'clock.
    • It costs about twenty dollars.
adverb
  1. Approximately; nearly.
    • He is about six feet tall.
    • We arrived about an hour ago.
    • The project is about halfway done.
  2. In or to a place; around.
    • The dog ran about in the yard.
    • There is a lot of flu going about this winter.
    • She looked about but saw no one.
  3. Almost; on the verge of doing something (used with 'to').
    • The movie is about to start.
    • She is about to give a speech.
    • I was about to leave when the phone rang.
Antonyms
adjective
  1. Active; moving around (usually after a verb like 'be' or 'get').
    • She is always busy and about.
    • He is up and about after his illness.
    • The children were about all day, playing outside.
What does "about" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean