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around about
/əˈraʊnd əˈbaʊt/
approximately
The meeting will start around about 3 PM.
The meeting will start roughly at 3 PM.
informal
approximately; roughly
It will take around about an hour to get there.
It will take roughly an hour to get there.
She’s around about 5 feet tall.
She’s approximately 5 feet tall.
Used to indicate an approximate number, time, or amount. Common in spoken English, especially in British and Commonwealth English.
Collocations
around aboutused for approximationaround about the same timeapproximately at the same time
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 'around about'
Use 'around about' when you want to soften an approximation, especially in spoken English. It’s less precise than 'approximately' or 'roughly' but adds a conversational tone.
Gold Rule
Avoid in formal contexts
Do not use 'around about' in academic papers, official reports, or formal presentations. Opt for 'approximately' or 'roughly' instead.
Word Origin
The phrase combines the prepositions 'around' (from Old English 'on + ūt' meaning 'on the outside') and 'about' (from Old English 'on + būtan' meaning 'on the outside of'). The redundant doubling of prepositions for emphasis became common in informal speech.
Usage Notes
This phrase is informal and often used in casual conversation. It is more common in British English than American English. Avoid using it in formal writing.
Word Breakdown
around
approximately or near
prepositionabout
approximately or near
prepositionEnglish Dictionary