about

Definition

In a circle around; all round; on every side of; on the outside of; around.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Germanic *ana- Proto-West Germanic *ana- Old English on-? Proto-West Germanic *biūtan Old English būtan Old English onbūtan Middle English aboute English about Preposition and adverb from Middle English aboute, abouten, from Old English abūtan, onbūtan, from on (“in, on”) + būtan (“outside of”), itself from be (“by”) + ūtan (“outside”). Cognate with Old Frisian abûta (“outside; except”). Adjective from Middle English about (adverb).

Example Sentences

• "The snake was coiled about his ankle."
• "So look about you; know you any here?"
• "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:"