about
On the subject
Whether as adverb, preposition, or adjective, about delivers on two fronts.
One is to indicate proximity in time, space, or condition: Let’s meet at about 4. I’m about fed up with this waiting.
Over time, a related meaning – on the verge of – has developed: That man looks like he’s about to jump.
The other big task for about is to associate a subject or quality with someone or something else: He’s reading a book about the Middle Ages; She’s all about money.
About can also be synonymous with around: There were dirty clothes scattered about the room. We went about the town, looking for a place to stay.
Approximately, for dates
- roughlyIn approximate terms
- nearlyAlmost but incomplete
- almostShort of completely
- approximatelyClose but not exact
close to · give or take · more or less · plus or minus · approaching · nearing · bordering on · upwards of
On the subject of
- concerningCausing worry or unease
- onTouching from above
- with respect toAbout a topic
- as toRegarding a topic
in regard to · dealing with · on the subject of · in reference to · apropos · vis-à-vis · in connection with · pertaining to
Exchange of ideas
- subjectMatter under discussion
- themeCentral recurring concept
- matterSpace-occupying substance with mass
- issuePoint of contention
content · conversation · debate · discourse · dialogue · focus · substance · meaning
Forming a boundary around
- encompassingIncluding all within bounds
- here and thereIn various places
- scatteredSpread irregularly about
- throughoutIn every part
circa
Approximately, for dates
approximately · close to · give or take · more or less · plus or minus · approaching · nearing · bordering on · upwards of · ballpark
regarding
On the subject of
- concerningCausing worry or unease
- onTouching from above
- with respect toAbout a topic
as to · in regard to · dealing with · on the subject of · in reference to · apropos · vis-à-vis · in connection with · pertaining to · as for
discussion
Exchange of ideas
- subjectMatter under discussion
- themeCentral recurring concept
- matterSpace-occupying substance with mass
issue · content · conversation · debate · discourse · dialogue · focus · substance · meaning · purpose
encircling
Forming a boundary around
- encompassingIncluding all within bounds
- here and thereIn various places
- scatteredSpread irregularly about
- prepositionsabove, across, after, along, below
- approximationsapproximately, roughly, almost, nearly, ballpark
- function wordsa, an, the, and, or
- almostalmost, nearly, approximately, roughly, practically
- URL schemeshttps, mailto, file, sms, data
- estimatesestimate, estimation, ballpark, ballpark estimate, rough estimate
aboutexactly
With total accuracy
precisely · sharp · on the dot · just · to the letter
- about toPoised to act
- think aboutDirect mind toward
- how aboutPhrase proposing an alternative
- about timeExpression of impatient relief
- what aboutIntroducing alternative consideration
- forget about itDismissive phrase, drop it
roundabout, bring about, set about, whereabouts, hereabouts, roundabouts, turnabout, thereabouts, thereabout