Main Entry: ¹about

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈbau̇t\

Function: adverb

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English abūtan, from ¹a- + būtan outside — more at but

Date: before 12th century

1 a : reasonably close to <about a year ago> b : almost <about starved> c : on the verge of —usually used with be and a following infinitive <is about to join the army> —used with a negative to express intention or determination <not about to quit>
2 : on all sides : around
3 a : in rotation b : around the outside
4 : here and there
5 : in the vicinity : near
6 : in the opposite direction <face about> <the other way about>