about

about is on the Basic English 850 List.

able - about - account

about is one of the 1000 most common headwords.

able - about - absolute

Pronunciation

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

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Audio (CA)

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• Audio (CA)

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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 in many directions.
   • Synonym: around

   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.

4. Nearly, approximately.
   • Synonyms: almost, roughly, near and close to

   They're about the same.

   We're here just about every week.

   About two years ago, I started skiing.

Adjective

Positive about

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. If something is about to happen, it will happen very soon.

   Please be seated. We're about to begin.

Related words

• roundabout
• thereabout