2about preposition
1 a — used to indicate the object of a thought, feeling, or action ▪ There has been a lot of anger about [=concerning] the decision. ▪ We did something about the problems. ▪ That's what I like about you. ▪ What are you so pleased about? ▪ I'm worried about her. ▪ I forgot all about it. ▪ There's a question about [=as to] how the problem should be fixed.
b — used to indicate the subject of something said or written ▪ I spoke about my past. ▪ She told me all about her vacation. ▪ What's he yammering about now? = (Brit) What's he on about now? ▪ books about birds ▪ a novel about Spain 2 : as part of (someone or something)
▪ There is a mature wisdom about her. [=she has a quality of mature wisdom] ▪ What was the most exciting thing about your vacation? [=what part of your vacation was most exciting?] ▪ There's something weird about that guy. [=that guy is weird] 3 — used to indicate the most important or basic part or purpose of something ▪ A good marriage is (all) about trust. [=trust is the most important part of a good marriage] ▪ The work he does is all about helping young people. 4 : near or not far from (something) in time
▪ a night about [=around] midsummer 5 a : in the area near to (something or someone)
▪ Fish are abundant about [=around] the reefs.
b : over or in different parts of (a place)
▪ He traveled all about [=around] the country. ▪ He's a well-known figure about [=around, throughout] the town.
c : on every side of (something or someone)
▪ A crowd gathered about [=around] him. ▪ They wrapped the blanket about [=around] her. 6 a — used to say that something is done quickly or slowly ▪ He was slow about doing his work. [=he did his work slowly] ▪ If you're going to do that, you need to be quick about it. [=you need to do it quickly]
b chiefly Brit : in the act or process of doing (something)
▪ Do it well while you're about it. [=while you're at it] ▪ He seems to know what he's about. [=to know what he's doing]
b — used to indicate the subject of something said or written ▪ I spoke about my past. ▪ She told me all about her vacation. ▪ What's he yammering about now? = (Brit) What's he on about now? ▪ books about birds ▪ a novel about Spain
▪ There is a mature wisdom about her. [=she has a quality of mature wisdom] ▪ What was the most exciting thing about your vacation? [=what part of your vacation was most exciting?] ▪ There's something weird about that guy. [=that guy is weird]
▪ a night about [=around] midsummer
▪ Fish are abundant about [=around] the reefs.
b : over or in different parts of (a place)
▪ He traveled all about [=around] the country. ▪ He's a well-known figure about [=around, throughout] the town.
c : on every side of (something or someone)
▪ A crowd gathered about [=around] him. ▪ They wrapped the blanket about [=around] her.
b chiefly Brit : in the act or process of doing (something)
▪ Do it well while you're about it. [=while you're at it] ▪ He seems to know what he's about. [=to know what he's doing]
how about — see 1how
what about — see 1what
