How is about used to describe a number?

The most common meaning of about as a preposition is ‘on the subject of’ or ‘connected with’: … We use about as an adverb when we talk about time, number and quantity. About makes the time, number or quantity less specific and more approximate: …

What does the word “about” mean?

1. concerning; on the subject of; in regard to: a book about the Civil War. 2. connected or associated with: an air of mystery about him. 3. near; close to: about my height; about six o'clock. 4. in or somewhere near: He is about the house.

What is the meaning of about when used to describe direction?

1. Approximately; nearly: The interview lasted about an hour. 2. Almost: The job is about done. 3. To a reversed position or direction: Turn about and walk away slowly. 4. In no particular direction: wandering about with no place to go. 5. All around; on every side: Let's look about for help. 6.