English dictionary



Hint: With the Firefox addon you can search this dictionary from the browsers search field.

English adjective: about

1. about on the move


SamplesUp and about.
The whole town was astir over the incident.


Synonymsastir


Similaractive


Antonymsinactive


English adverb: about

1. about (of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct


SamplesLasted approximately an hour.
In just about a minute.
He's about 30 years old.
I've had about all I can stand.
We meet about once a month.
Some forty people came.
Weighs around a hundred pounds.
Roughly $3,000.
Holds 3 gallons, more or less.
20 or so people were at the party.


Synonymsapproximately, around, close to, just about, more or less, or so, roughly, some

2. about all around or on all sides


SamplesDirty clothes lying around (or about).
Let's look about for help.
There were trees growing all around.
She looked around her.


Synonymsaround

3. about in the area or vicinity


SamplesA few spectators standing about.
Hanging around.
Waited around for the next flight.


Synonymsaround

4. about used of movement to or among many different places or in no particular direction


SamplesWandering about with no place to go.
People were rushing about.
News gets around (or about).
Traveled around in Asia.
He needs advice from someone who's been around.
She sleeps around.


Synonymsaround

5. about in or to a reversed position or direction


SamplesAbout face.
Suddenly she turned around.


Synonymsaround

6. about in rotation or succession


SamplesTurn about is fair play.

7. about (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but


SamplesThe job is (just) about done.
The baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded.
We're almost finished.
The car all but ran her down.
He nearly fainted.
Talked for nigh onto 2 hours.
The recording is well-nigh perfect.
Virtually all the parties signed the contract.
I was near exhausted by the run.
Most everyone agrees.


Synonymsalmost, most, near, nearly, nigh, virtually, well-nigh









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
Web design: Orcapia v/Per Bang. English edition: .
2024 onlineordbog.dk