about
Translation
about, concerning, approximately, around
Examples
Let's talk about your plans.
Let's talk about your plans.
It costs about ten dollars.
It costs about ten dollars.
He is about to leave.
He is about to leave.
She looked about the room.
She looked about the room.
Grammar Patterns
about ((sth.)) on the subject of; concerning This book is about history.
about ((number)) approximately It's about five o'clock.
be about to-inf to be on the point of doing something The show is about to start.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (concerning) regarding, on; (approximately) around, roughly
Etymology
From Old English 'onbutan' meaning 'on the outside of', from 'on' + 'be' (by) + 'utan' (outside).
Memory Tips
Think of moving 'about' (around) a topic or a number. This connects to both meanings: 'concerning' and 'approximately'.