about (EN)

preposition, adverb, adjective

preposition “about”

1. relating to or concerning a particular topic
   Sign up to see the translation of definitions and examples into any language.

   She wrote a passionate essay about the importance of environmental conservation.
2. encircling or surrounding something
   Children ran about the maypole, their laughter filling the air.
3. scattered over or present in various parts of an area
   Toys were scattered about the room, making it hard to walk without stepping on one.

adverb “about”

1. approximately
   I sold it for about the same price I originally bought it for.
2. on all sides
   Curious kittens scampered about, exploring every nook and cranny.
3. in different places within an area
   As the result of the child's play, toys were scattered about.
4. moving from one location to another repeatedly
   The children were running about in the garden, laughing and playing tag.
5. engaged in aimless or random activities
   The kids were running about in the garden with no particular game in mind.
6. turned to face the opposite direction or considering from another perspective
   Hearing the noise, the soldier quickly turned about to face the unexpected sound.

adjective “about”

1. active or not confined to bed or home
   After a week in bed with the flu, Jenny was finally up and about again, visiting friends and running errands.
2. currently existing or noticeable
   Rumors concerning the hidden treasure have been about for centuries, yet no one has found it.
3. close by or likely to be in the surrounding area
   The cat is usually about at this time of day, napping in the sunny spots.
4. about to happen or ready to start doing something very soon
   She's about to start her piano lesson.