The Word "About"

Definition of "About"

The term "about" is a preposition that is used to indicate a relationship between things, often signaling direction, reference, or a general idea of arrangement. It can also denote a topic or subject matter.

Common Usages

"About" can be used in various contexts, including:

• Indicating Approximation: "The meeting will start at about 3 PM."
• Referencing a Topic: "We were talking about the environment."
• Indicating Movement: "She walked about the park."
• Expressing Concern: "I was worried about you."

Interesting Facts

• The word "about" originated from Old English "abutan," which means "on the outside of."
• It is one of the most frequently used prepositions in the English language.
• "About" can also be utilized in idiomatic expressions such as "bring about," which means to cause something to happen.
• The word can be used both as a preposition and an adverb, providing versatile usage in sentences.

Examples in Sentences

Here are a few examples that showcase the usage of "about":

• "This book is about history."
• "He is concerned about the future."
• "They wandered about the city all day."
• "Can you tell me more about her?"