English Profile

around · preposition

/əˈrɑʊnd/Full view

around (IN A CIRCLE/CIRCULAR MOVEMENT)

A2 to surround or be on all sides of something, or in a circular movement

Dictionary examples:

We sat around the table.

He put his arm around her.

The moon goes around the Earth.

I walked around the building.

Learner example:

You can go around the lake by train. (Key English Test; A2; Italian)

around (TO OR IN A PLACE)

A2 to or in different parts of a place

Dictionary examples:

I spent a year traveling around Australia.

I used to live around here.

Learner example:

After that, we will walk around the shopping mall. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

around (APPROXIMATELY)

A2 about or approximately

Dictionary examples:

around two months ago

around four o'clock

She earns around forty thousand a year.

Learner example:

I'll go by car and I'll be there around 3:30 pm. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

around the clock

C1 all day and all night

Dictionary example:

Rescue teams are working around the clock to search for survivors of the earthquake.

Learner example:

It is undeniable that people are working around the clock in order to earn a living. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Chinese)

around · adverb

/əˈrɑʊnd/

around (TO/IN A PLACE)

A2 to or in different parts of a place

Dictionary examples:

I'm going to fly to Peru and travel around for six weeks.

She went into town and spent two hours just walking around.

Learner example:

Come and visit, I'll show you around. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Thai)

around (IN A CIRCLE/CIRCULAR MOVEMENT)

B1 in a circle or with circular movement

Dictionary examples:

She passed a plate of biscuits around.

This switch makes the wheels go around.

Learner example:

Hello, everybody. Please gather around. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

around (OPPOSITE DIRECTION)

B1 to the opposite direction

Dictionary examples:

Jonny turned around and looked at her.

The pianist spun around on the stool and faced his audience.

Learner example:

As the concert finished, I heard someone call my name. I turned around. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Greek)

be around

B2 If someone is around, they are present in a place.

Dictionary examples:

Will you be around next week?

Roger isn't around at the moment - can I help instead?

Learner example:

It was dark and not a soul was around. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

around (EXISTING)

C2 present or available

Dictionary example:

Cell phones have been around for years now.

Learner example:

Major sport[s] competitions have been around for the better part of 2500 years, ever since the original Olympic Games were held in ancient Greece. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)