About: meaning, definitions and examples
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about
[əˈbaʊt ]
Definitions
in relation to something
Used to refer to the relation of a person or thing to another or others. It can also indicate the topic of something.
Synonyms
concerning, on the subject of, regarding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| about |
Commonly used in less formal conversations or writing to introduce the topic.
|
| regarding |
Used in formal or professional settings to specify the topic or subject matter.
|
| concerning |
Appropriate for formal or written communication, often implying some level of importance or worry.
|
| on the subject of |
Typically used in formal settings to focus on a specific topic.
|
Examples of usage
- I was talking about the weather.
- This book is about ancient civilizations.
- She is passionate about her work.
- We need to make a decision about our future.
- They had a discussion about politics.
approximately
Used to indicate an approximate amount or time.
Synonyms
approximately, around, roughly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| about |
General term used in everyday conversation to indicate an approximation or when giving an estimate.
|
| approximately |
More formal context, often used in reports, documents, and academic writing to indicate a precise estimate.
|
| around |
Casual conversation, similar to 'about,' but can also suggest a range or flexibility.
|
| roughly |
Informal, used to give a broad estimate that is not exact. Can sometimes carry a connotation of inaccuracy or guesswork.
|
Examples of usage
- There were about 50 people at the party.
- The meeting will start in about an hour.
- He arrived at about 9 o'clock.
suitable
Used to describe something as suitable or appropriate.
Synonyms
appropriate, correct, suitable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| about |
Used when you want to talk in general terms or when dealing with an approximate amount. It is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation.
|
| appropriate |
Used when something is suitable or proper for a particular situation or purpose. This word carries a formal tone and is often used in professional or academic settings.
|
| suitable |
Used when something is right or acceptable for a particular person, situation, or purpose. Similar to 'appropriate' but can be used in casual or semi-formal settings.
|
| correct |
Used when something is free from errors or is accurate. It implies precision and is often used in educational or technical contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- This is the right book for students of all ages.
- She is the right person for the job.
- Is this the right way to the museum?
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 'About' comes from Old English 'on butan,' meaning 'on the outside' or 'around.'
- Its use in the context of discussing a subject dates back to the medieval period.
- Initially, it could also imply motion or physical direction alongside its topical usage.
Linguistics
- In English, 'about' can function as both a preposition and an adverb, showcasing its versatility.
- It modifies verbs, suggesting direction or focus, as in 'talk about' or 'get about.'
- 'About' is commonly used in idiomatic expressions, such as 'about to,' which indicates a future action.
Cultural Context
- In conversational English, people often start sentences with 'About,' paving the way for a summary or statement.
- In literature, the use of 'about' helps authors introduce themes or topics, engaging readers right from the start.
- Media headlines frequently use 'about' to capture audience interest by hinting at the content of an article or show.
Psychology
- The way we use 'about' influences how we relate topics, impacting comprehension and retention of information.
- Children often learn to use 'about' as a way to describe their surroundings and experiences, aiding in their vocabulary development.
- Understanding the concept of being 'about' something can help people articulate their thoughts and feelings more clearly.
Usage in Technology
- 'About' pages on websites often provide insight into the organization or individual, giving visitors context of what to expect.
- In programming, the term is used to define the scope or context of functions and operations.
- Mobile applications utilize 'about' sections to inform users of features, privacy policies, and terms of service.
Translations
Translations of the word "about" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sobre
- aproximadamente
- acerca de
🇮🇳 के बारे में
- लगभग
- के संबंध में
🇩🇪 über
- ungefähr
- bezüglich
🇮🇩 tentang
- kira-kira
- mengenai
🇺🇦 про
- приблизно
- щодо
🇵🇱 o
- około
- na temat
🇯🇵 について
- 約
- に関して
🇫🇷 à propos de
- environ
- concernant
🇪🇸 sobre
- aproximadamente
- acerca de
🇹🇷 hakkında
- yaklaşık
- konusunda
🇰🇷 에 대해
- 약
- 에 관하여
🇸🇦 عن
- حوالي
- بشأن
🇨🇿 o
- přibližně
- ohledně
🇸🇰 o
- približne
- ohľadom
🇨🇳 关于
- 大约
- 有关
🇸🇮 o
- približno
- glede
🇮🇸 um
- um það bil
- varðandi
🇰🇿 туралы
- шамамен
- қатысты
🇬🇪 შესახებ
- დაახლოებით
- მიმართ
🇦🇿 haqqında
- təxminən
- barəsində
🇲🇽 sobre
- aproximadamente
- acerca de