Meaning of about In English

• 0 on the subject of, or connected with:

  • What's that book about?

  • a film about the Spanish Civil War

  • We were talking/laughing about Sophie.

  • He's always (going) on about what a great job he's got.

  • I'm worried about David.

  • I really don't know what all the fuss is about.

  • I wish you'd do something about (= take action to solve the problem of) your bedroom - it's a real mess.

  • UK informal Could you make me a coffee too while you're about it (= while you are making one for yourself)?

  • What didn't you like about the play?

  • There's something about her attitude that worries me.

  • There's something special about him (= in his character).

  • "Is that your car?" "Yes, what about it?" (= Why are you asking me?)

• 1 positioned around a place, often without a clear purpose or order:

  • Their belongings were flung about the room.

• 2 in a particular place:

  • Do you have such a thing as a pen about you/your person? (= Do you have a pen?)

• 3 a little more or less than the stated number or amount:

  • about six feet tall

  • about two months ago

  • "What time are you leaving work today?" "About five."

• 4 almost:

  • We're about ready to leave.

  • Well, I think that's about it for now (= we have almost finished what we are doing for the present).

• 5 in many different directions:

  • They heard someone moving about outside.

  • I've been running about all morning trying to find you.

• 6 positioned around a place, often without a clear purpose or order:

  • She always leaves her clothes lying about on the floor.

• 7 in or near a place:

  • Is John about (= somewhere near)?

  • There's a lot of flu about (= many people have it) at the moment.

• 8 to be going to do something very soon:

  • I was about to leave when Mark arrived.

  • She looked as if she was about to cry.

• 9 on the subject of; connected with:

  • "What’s that book about?" "It’s about the Civil War."

  • I don’t know what all the fuss is about.

  • There’s something about her attitude that worries me.

• 10 a little more or less than a specific number; approximately:

  • He’s about six feet tall.

  • It happened about two months ago.

  • I’ve had just about enough of your complaining (= I do not want to hear any more).

• 11 almost ready to do something, or intending to do something soon:

  • He looked as if he was about to burst into tears.

  • I’m not about to apologize to him.

• 12 positioned or moving in or near a place:

  • Reporters stood about, waiting for more news.