located or situated on every side; in every direction, in a circular direction or manner, approximately; nearly

beat around the bush, turn around, come around

get around, mess around, hang around

Formal and Informal Expressions of around

In different contexts, you can replace 'around' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'approximately, circumference' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'about, nearly' is a commonplace synonym.

around: Explore its Definition & Usage

around Definition

1located or situated on every side; in every direction
2in a circular direction or manner
3approximately; nearly

Using around: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "around" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She looked around the room.
Example
The children ran around the playground.
Example
He wrapped his arms around her.

around Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for around

Antonyms for around

Idioms Using around

beat around the bush
to avoid talking about something directly or honestly
Example
Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
turn around
to change direction or reverse course
Example
We missed our exit, so we had to turn around and go back.
come around
to change one's opinion or attitude over time
Example
At first, she didn't like the idea, but she eventually came around and agreed to help.

Phrases with around

get around
to move from place to place, especially using various methods of transportation
Example
I don't have a car, so I have to get around by bus or bike.
mess around
to waste time doing something unimportant or silly
Example
Stop messing around and get back to work!
hang around
to spend time in a particular place or with a particular group of people, often without any specific purpose
Example
I like to hang around the park on weekends and watch people play sports.

Origins of around

from Old English 'on rūn', meaning 'in a circle'

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Summary: around in Brief

'Around' [əˈraʊnd] is an adverb that describes a location or movement in every direction or in a circular manner. It can also mean 'approximately' or 'nearly.' Phrases like 'get around' and 'hang around' describe movement or spending time in a particular place, while idioms like 'beat around the bush' and 'come around' describe indirect communication or changing attitudes over time.