Around Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
around
[ษหraสnd ]
Definitions
in movement or action
In a circular or rotational course. In the area or vicinity. In or to many places throughout a locality.
Synonyms
about, approximately, nearby, roughly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| around |
Used to suggest a general location or time without being specific. Can also imply movement in a circular path.
|
| about |
Used when referring to an approximate amount, time, or subject. It's more formal compared to 'around'.
|
| approximately |
Used in more formal settings to indicate an estimated amount or number. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.
|
| roughly |
Used to give a rough estimate or approximation. It has a casual tone.
|
| nearby |
Refers to something that is close in physical distance.
|
Examples of usage
- She looked around the room.
- He traveled around the world.
- The children played around the park.
surrounding
Surrounding or on all sides of. Near or located in the vicinity of. Approximately in a particular place.
Synonyms
about, encircling, near, surrounding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| around |
Use 'around' when referencing movement or position in a circular direction, or when estimating an approximate time, number, or area.
|
| surrounding |
Use 'surrounding' when describing things that are all around something else, giving the impression of closeness or enclosure.
|
| encircling |
Use 'encircling' when describing something that completely surrounds another object or area, often in a physical sense, and typically more formal than 'around' or 'surrounding'.
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| near |
Use 'near' when talking about proximity or closeness in terms of distance, either physical or figurative.
|
| about |
Use 'about' when discussing a topic, reason, or when giving an approximate figure. This word often introduces the subject matter.
|
Examples of usage
- The fence goes around the garden.
- There are trees around the house.
- Let's meet around the corner.
period of time
A period of time or sequence of events. The area or vicinity. A route or circuit.
Synonyms
circuit, period, timeframe, vicinity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| around |
Used to indicate an approximate location, time or quantity.
|
| period |
Refers to a specific length of time during which something happens or exists.
|
| timeframe |
Used to define the limit or duration of time within which something occurs or is planned to occur.
|
| vicinity |
Used to indicate the area surrounding or near a particular place.
|
| circuit |
Used to describe a circular route or a closed loop, often in the context of exercise, electronics, or sports.
|
Examples of usage
- She has been working around the clock.
- We went for a walk around the neighborhood.
- The ship made an around-the-world voyage.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Usage
- In many cultures, 'around' is a concept used in phrases like 'gather around,' emphasizing community and togetherness.
- Childrenโs games often involve the word, enhancing their understanding of spatial relationships and direction.
- Numerous idioms incorporate it, such as 'turning things around,' reflecting change or improvement.
Literature
- In poetry, the imagery of 'around' often illustrates nature's cycles, like the changing seasons and the paths of life.
- Many classic novels use 'around' to show character movement and exploration in their settings.
- Authors like Lewis Carroll and T.S. Eliot employed circular references to create a whimsical sense of time and place.
Psychology
- In spatial awareness studies, the concept of 'around' is critical for developing navigation skills and understanding oneโs environment.
- Children often learn spatial concepts through play that involves moving 'around' objects, helping cognitive development.
- Feeling 'around' your surroundings can also relate to mindfulness practices, enhancing awareness and presence.
Science
- In physics, the concept of 'around' can relate to orbits and movements, like planets moving 'around' a sun.
- Studies in ecology often describe animal behaviors, noting how species move 'around' their habitats to find food and mates.
- In biology, the term describes cellular structures that can move substances 'around' a cell in processes like transportation.
Origin of 'around'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'around' comes from Old English 'aroundan,' meaning 'in a circle' or 'encircling.'
- It combines 'a' (meaning 'on' or 'in') and 'round' (which refers to something circular).
- The use of 'around' can be traced back to early Middle Ages texts indicating direction and placement.
The word 'around' originated from the Middle English word 'aroun', which means 'in a circle'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to movement, location, and time. Today, 'around' is a commonly used word in everyday language to describe proximity, surrounding, or movement in a circular manner.
See also: round, roundabout, roundaboutly, roundball, rounded, roundel, roundness, rounds.