About
Adverb, Preposition
UK
/əˈbaʊt/
US
/əˈbaʊt/
Definition
(prep) : Used to show the subject of something, or to mean "close to" in time, number, or place.
(adv) : Moving or happening in many places; around.
Example
"(prep) : The book is about animals."
"(prep) : I arrived at about 7 o’clock because the bus was a little late."
"(adv) : People were moving about quickly after the fire alarm rang in the building."
Explanation
“About” is a word we use in many ways. It can mean the subject of something, like “a book about animals” — the book talks about animals. It can also mean “close to” or “almost,” like “about ten people” means maybe ten, but not exactly. We also use it when someone moves around, like “walking about the house.” So, “about” can talk about a topic, a number, a place, or movement. It is one of the most common words in English, and you will see and hear it very often.