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Definitions

1. preposition

   On the subject of something.

   Examples

   • He talked a lot about his childhood.
   • We must do something about this problem.
   ≈apropos≈as for
2. preposition

   On the point of doing something, in the phrase about to.

   Examples

   • He was about to leave when the phone rang.
   • The movie is about to start.
3. preposition

   In or near a place.

   Examples

   • I can't find my glasses, but they must be somewhere about the house.
   • John is in the garden, somewhere about the shed.
4. adverb

   Around, in every direction.

   Examples

   • I looked about at the scenery.
   • She looked about for her keys.
5. preposition

   Busy with something or doing something.

   Examples

   • They were just going about their business.
   • What are you about these days?
6. preposition

   On your body or near you.

   Examples

   • I had no weapon about me but a stick.
   • Do you have any money about you?
7. preposition

   Used to talk about a quality that a person or place seems to have.

   Examples

   • He always has his wits about him.
   • There was an air of confidence about the woman.
8. preposition

   All around something.

   Examples

   • The snake was coiled about his ankle.
   • She wrapped a scarf about her neck.
9. preposition

   In different parts of a place.

   Examples

   • Rubbish was spread about the place.
   • The children were running about the room.
10. preposition

    Used to say that something is going to happen very soon.

    Examples

    • He was about to answer when the doorbell rang.
    • She was about to sign the paper when she stopped.