About
🔊 US Loading... 🔊 UK Loading...The word “about” is a versatile term in the English language with various meanings and functions. It can serve as a preposition, adverb, or even an adjective, depending on the context. Below is an explanation of its definitions and uses.
Definition of “About”
- As a Preposition:
- Meaning: Concerning, regarding, or relating to a particular subject or topic.
- Example: This book is about history.
- Meaning: Indicating movement in various directions or within a location.
- Example: She wandered about the house.
- Meaning: Referring to the approximate amount, time, or degree.
- Example: He arrived at about 5 p.m.
- As an Adverb:
- Meaning: Nearly, approximately, or almost.
- Example: There were about 50 people at the event.
- Meaning: Indicating movement in multiple directions or a general area.
- Example: The kids were running about in the yard.
- As an Adjective (less common):
- Meaning: Active or moving around; engaged in a task.
- Example: He’s always about and busy with work.
Detailed Meanings and Uses of “About”
1. Relating to a Subject or Topic (Preposition)
- This is the most common use of “about,” where it shows the focus of conversation, writing, or action.
- Example: We had a discussion about climate change.
- Example: What is this movie about?
2. Approximation (Preposition or Adverb)
- Indicates an estimate of time, quantity, or number.
- Example (Preposition): The book costs about $20.
- Example (Adverb): She’s about ready to leave.
3. Indicating Movement or Position (Preposition or Adverb)
- Refers to movement within a location, in multiple directions, or in a random manner.
- Example (Preposition): She looked about the room for her keys.
- Example (Adverb): The papers were scattered about.
4. Active or Busy (Adjective)
- Refers to someone who is present and engaged in tasks or moving around.
- Example: Is the manager about?
5. Concerning a Goal or Purpose (Preposition)
- Refers to the reason or intent behind an action.
- Example: What’s all this noise about?
Synonyms for “About”
Depending on the context, synonyms may include:
- Regarding
- Concerning
- Around
- Almost
- Nearby
- Approximately
Examples of “About” in Sentences
- Preposition (Relating to a Topic):
- The teacher spoke about the importance of education.
- Preposition (Movement/Position):
- She walked about the garden, admiring the flowers.
- Adverb (Approximation):
- He earns about $50,000 a year.
- Adjective (Active or Present):
- I haven’t seen him, but he might be about somewhere.
- Concerning Purpose:
- What is all this fuss about?
Common Phrases Using “About”
- Be about to (do something):
- Meaning: To be on the verge of doing something.
- Example: I was about to leave when you called.
- Go about (something):
- Meaning: To approach or handle a task.
- Example: How do you go about solving this issue?
- Bring about:
- Meaning: To cause something to happen.
- Example: The new policy will bring about significant changes.
- It’s about time:
- Meaning: Something that is overdue or should have happened sooner.
- Example: It’s about time they fixed that broken window!
In summary, “about” is a dynamic word with multiple meanings, primarily related to topics, movement, or approximation. Its flexibility makes it an essential component of the English language, applicable in various contexts and expressions.
Relative words of ‘A’
| S.No | Words |
|---|---|
| 1 | A |
| 2 | Able |
| 3 | Ability |
| 4 | About |
| 5 | Above |
| 6 | Absence |
| 7 | Abroad |
| 8 | Absolute |
| 9 | Absent |
| 10 | Abstract |
| 11 | Abuse |
| 12 | Angry |
| 13 | Access |
| 14 | Annoy |
| 15 | Acceptable |
| 16 | Acceptance |
| 17 | Accede |
| 18 | Accept |
| 19 | Abusive |
| 20 | Academic |
| 21 | Approve |
