About

1. Approximately; nearly: The interview lasted about an hour.
2. Almost: The job is about done.
3. To a reversed position or direction: Turn about and walk away slowly.
4. In no particular direction: wandering about with no place to go.
5. All around; on every side: Let’s look about for help.
6. In the area or vicinity; near: spoke to a few spectators standing about.
7. In succession; one after another: Turn about is fair play.
8. 1. On the verge of; presently going to. Used with the infinitive: The chorus is about to sing.
   2. Usage Problem Used to show determination or intention in negative constructions with an infinitive: I am not about to concede the point.

prep.  

1. On all sides of; surrounding: I found an English garden all about me.
2. In the vicinity of; around: explored the rivers and streams about the estate.
3. Almost the same as; close to; near.
4. 1. In reference to; relating to; concerned with: a book about snakes.
   2. In the act or process of: While you’re about it, please clean your room.
5. In the possession or innate character of: Keep your wits about you.

adj.  

1. Moving here and there; astir: The patient is up and about.
2. Being in evidence or existence: Rumors are about concerning his resignation.

[Middle English, from Old English onbūtan : on, in; see on + būtan, outside; see ud- in Indo-European roots.]