around

== English == === Alternative forms === round arownd (obsolete) ron (Bermuda) 'round (contraction) === Etymology === From Middle English around, arounde, from a- (from Old English a- (“on, at”)) + Middle English round (“circle, round”) borrowed from French, equivalent to a- +‎ round. Cognate with Scots aroond, aroon (“around”). Displaced earlier Middle English umbe, embe (“around”) (from Old English ymbe (“around”)). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation, General American, Canada) IPA(key): /əˈɹaʊnd/ (Northumbria) IPA(key): /əˈɹuːnd/ (General Australian) IPA(key): /əˈɹæɔnd/ (New Zealand) IPA(key): /əˈɹæʊnd/ Hyphenation: a‧round Rhymes: -aʊnd === Preposition === around Forming a circle or closed curve containing (something). Synonym: (obsolete) environ (of abstract things) Centred upon; surrounding; regarding. Synonym: (obsolete) environ Following the perimeter of a specified area and returning to the starting point. Following a path which curves near an object, with the object on the inside of the curve. Near; in the vicinity of. At or to various places within or throughout. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === around (not comparable) (informal, predicative only, with the verb "to be") Present in the vicinity. (informal, predicative only, with the verb "to be") Alive; existing. ==== Derived terms ==== be around ==== Translations ==== === Adverb === around (not comparable) So as to form a circle or trace a circular path, or approximation thereof. So as to surround or be near. Nearly; approximately; about. From place to place. From one state or condition to an opposite or very different one; with a metaphorical change in direction; bringing about awareness or agreement. (see bring around, come around) (see bring around, come around) (with turn, spin, etc.) So as to partially or completely rotate; so as to face in the opposite direction. Used with verbs to indicate repeated or continuous action, or in numerous locations or with numerous people. Used with certain verbs to suggest unproductive activity. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === Category:English phrasal verbs formed with "around" round about == Middle English == === Adverb === around alternative form of arounde