about
Translation
concerning, on the subject of, approximately, around
Examples
It's a book about history.
It's a book on the subject of history.
It costs about ten pounds.
It costs approximately ten pounds.
I was about to leave.
I was just going to leave.
Don't leave your clothes lying about.
Don't leave your clothes scattered around.
Grammar Patterns
about ((sth.)) on the subject of (sth.) It's a book about history.
about ((a number)) approximately (a number) It costs about ten pounds.
to be about to-inf to be on the point of doing (sth.) I was about to leave.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Old English 'onbūtan', meaning 'on the outside of'. This developed into the sense of 'around', and then 'concerning'.
Memory Tips
Think of walking 'about' (around) a topic, touching on all its sides. This links the location meaning to the subject meaning.