around

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adverb 1.3.1 Translations 1.4 Preposition 1.4.1 Translations 1.5 Derived terms 1.6 See also

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English around, arounde from a- (from Old English a- "on, at") + Middle English round "circle, round". Displaced earlier Middle English umbe, embe "around" (from Old English ymbe "around").

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA: /əˈɹaʊnd/, SAMPA: /@"raUnd/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -aʊnd
• Hyphenation: a‧round

[edit] Adverb

around (not comparable)

1. In a circular formation.

   The jackals began to gather around.

2. Along the edges; on every side, in all directions.

   There isn't another house here for miles around.

3. In random places; aimlessly, with no real direction.

   There are too many kids in the town centre, just hanging around for hours.

4. With circular motion; coming back to a particular place.

   Well, my luck's really turned around!

5. (informal) Nearby, in the area.

   I'll see you around, mate.

6. (informal, used with the verb "to be") Alive, existent, or present.

   How is old Bob? I heard that his health is failing.

   Oh, he's still around.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Preposition

around

1. Defining a circle or closed curve containing.

   I planted a row of lillies around the statue.

2. Following a path which curves near an object, with the object on the inside of the curve

   The road took a brief detour around the large rock formation, then continued straight.

3. Near (also applicable to time).

   I left my keys somewhere around there.

   I left the house sometime around 10:00.

4. At various places in.

   The pages from the notebook were scattered around the room.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] See also

• about