I. adverb
1.
in every direction
looked carefully about
Synonyms: around, round, round about
2.
in a circuitous way or course
took the long way about
Synonyms: circuitously, round about
3.
Synonyms: nearly , all but, almost, approximately, most, much, ||nearabout, nigh, practically, well-nigh
4.
here or there without plan or order
left his tools lying about
Synonyms: anyhow, any which way, anywise, around, at random, haphazard, haphazardly, helter-skelter, random, randomly
Related Word: back and forth, hither and thither, to and fro; aimlessly, carelessly, casually
5.
in the vicinity
talked to the people standing about
Synonyms: near, near-at-hand, nearby
Idioms: close by
6.
in the opposite direction
he turned about and saw her
Synonyms: again, around, back, backward, in reverse, round, round about
Idioms: in one's course
II. preposition
1.
in the vicinity of
about five miles to go
Synonyms: around, circa, close on, near, nearby, nigh
Idioms: hard by, not far from
2.
Synonyms: apropos , anent, as regards, as respects, as to, concerning, in re, re, respecting, touching
Idioms: in point of, with regard to
3.
Synonyms: over 3, on, upon, with
4.
here and there upon or within
traveled about the country
Synonyms: round, through, throughout
Idioms: all over