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a·bout
 about
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- pronunciation:
baUt
- parts of speech:
- preposition, adverb, adjective
- phrases:
- about to
| part of speech: |
preposition |
| definition 1: |
If a book is about trains, it means that the book tells you many things on the subject of trains. It might tell you things like where the first trains were built, what fuel trains use, or how fast trains travel.
I'm reading a book about insects.What was the movie about?
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| definition 2: |
"About" sometimes means "near" or "close to." If you are about the same age as your friend, it means that you are near the same age.
Let's plant the tree about here.My brother and I are about the same height.- similar words:
- near
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| definition 3: |
If your dog is about the yard, it means that the dog is somewhere in your yard. We know he is not outside of the yard.
Isn't there a good scissors somewhere about the house? |
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| part of speech: |
adverb |
| definition 1: |
When you pay about five dollars, it means that you pay close to five dollars. It might be a little more or less than five dollars.
My mom paid about ten dollars for this shirt.We have lived in our house for about four years.- similar words:
- approximately
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| definition 2: |
When you look about, it means that you look around on all sides.
The man looked about, but he didn't see anyone.We walked about downtown a bit before we had dinner at the restaurant. |
| definition 3: |
If you are about finished with something, it means you are almost finished. You will be finished very soon.
I was about done with my homework, so I told my friend we could start playing our game soon. |
| definition 4: |
When you are somewhere about, it means that you are somewhere near. You have not gone out of the area.
Dad was about just a minute ago.- similar words:
- near
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| definition 5: |
When you turn something about, it means you turn it toward the opposite direction.
He turned his chair about so he could see the television. |
| related words: |
round |
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| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition: |
If someone is about in the early morning, it means that they are active at that time.
I couldn't sleep this morning because Dad was up and about and making a lot of noise. |
| phrase: |
about to |
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