around
a·round / əˈround/ • adv. 1. (Brit. also round) located or situated on every side: the mountains towering all around. ∎ so as to surround someone or something: everyone crowded around. ∎ fig. so as to give support and companionship: if one girl is distraught, the others will rally around. ∎ with circular motion: the boats were spun around by waterspouts. ∎ so as to cover or take in the whole area surrounding a particular center: she paused to glance around admiringly at the décor. ∎ so as to reach everyone in a particular group or area: he passed a newspaper clipping around.2. (Brit. also round) so as to rotate and face in the opposite direction: Jack seized her by the shoulders and turned her around. ∎ so as to lead in another direction: it was the last house before the road curved around. ∎ used in describing the position of something, typically with regard to the direction in which it is facing or its relation to other items: the picture shows the pieces the wrong way around. ∎ used to describe a situation in terms of the relation between people, actions, or events: it was he who was attacking her, not the other way around.3. (Brit. also round) so as to reach a new place or position, typically by moving from one side of something to the other: he made his way around to the back of the building. ∎ in or to many places throughout a locality: his only ambition is to drive around in a sports car. ∎ used to convey an ability to navigate or orient oneself: I like pupils to find their own way around. ∎ inf. used to convey the idea of visiting someone else: why don't you come around to my office? ∎ randomly or unsystematically; here and there: one of them was glancing nervously around.4. (Brit. also round) in existence, in the vicinity, or in active use: there was no one around. ∎ near at hand: he would want to have her around as much as possible.5. approximately; about: software costs would be around $1,500| [as prep.] I returned to my hotel around 3 a.m. • prep. (Brit. also round) 1. on every side of: the hills around the city. ∎ (of something abstract) having (the thing mentioned) as a focal point: our entire culture is built around those loyalties.2. in or to many places throughout (a community or locality): cycling around the village. ∎ on the other side of (a corner or obstacle): Steven parked the car around the corner. ∎ so as to hit (something) in passing: if he didn't shut up, he might get a slap around the ear.3. so as to encircle or embrace (someone or something): he put his arm around her. ∎ (of a person's arm or arms) partially encircling (another person) as part of a gesture of affection: Mike put an arm around Mary. ∎ following an approximately circular route: he walked around the airfield. ∎ so as to cover or take in the whole area of (a place): she went around the house and saw that all the windows were barred.PHRASES: around the bendsee bend1 .have been around inf. have a lot of varied experience and understanding of the world.