around
approximately or roughly
Used to talk about something that is not exact but close to the real number, time, or place.
[verb] around [number/place/time]
- There were around 50 people at the party.
- The store is just around the corner.
- I’ll meet you around noon.
- There are around ten chairs in the room.
- The park is around here.
- We will meet around 3 p.m.
on all sides of
In a position surrounding someone or something.
around [someone/something]
- We sat around the table for dinner.
- A fence runs around the garden.
- The children gathered around their teacher.
- We sit around the table.
- There is a wall around the house.
- People stand around the fire.
in different places nearby
In many places in an area.
- There are many cafes around.
- I looked around but couldn’t find my keys.
- He travels around visiting friends.
- There are shops around.
- I walk around in the park.
- We look around for a good place.
in a circular direction or facing another way
To move your body or head to face another way.
- She turned around to see who called her name.
- He looked around when he heard the noise.
- I spun around quickly.
- I turn around to see you.
- He looks around when he hears a sound.
- She turns around to talk to me.
present in existence or nearby
Here now or existing in this time.
- She’s been around for a long time in this industry.
- There aren’t many good bookstores around anymore.
- Is John around today?
- He is not around today.
- She has been around for many years.
- Are you around now?
come around
1change opinion, recover, or visit casually
To change your mind, wake up after being unconscious, or visit someone’s place.
- He’ll come around once he hears the full story.
- She came around after fainting.
- Why don’t you come around later?
get around to [something]
1finally do something after delay
To finally do something you have been meaning to do for a while.
- I still haven’t gotten around to fixing the car.
- She finally got around to replying to my email.
around the corner
1Very close in space or time
Very close to happening or very close to you in distance.
- My house is just around the corner.
- With summer around the corner, it's time to plan vacations.
around the corner
2very near or soon to happen
Very close in space or time.
- The bank is just around the corner.
- With summer around the corner, people are planning vacations.
fool around
1behave in a playful, unserious way
To act in a silly or playful way and not do serious work or tasks.
- The kids were fooling around instead of studying.
- Stop fooling around and help me clean the kitchen.
- They fooled around for a few months before breaking up.
- They spent the afternoon fooling around in the park instead of studying.
mess around
1behave in a silly or idle way
To play and act silly and not do your real work or task.
- Stop messing around and start working!
- Stop messing around and help me clean.
- They spent the afternoon just messing around in the park.
- We just messed around in the park all afternoon instead of studying.