(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
"lasted approximately an hour"
"in just about a minute"
"he's about 30 years old"
"I've had about all I can stand"
"we meet about once a month"
"some forty people came"
"weighs around a hundred pounds"
"roughly $3,000"
"holds 3 gallons, more or less"
"20 or so people were at the party"
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
"the job is (just) about done"
"the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded"
"we're almost finished"
"the car all but ran her down"
"he nearly fainted"
"talked for nigh onto 2 hours"
"the recording is well-nigh perfect"
"virtually all the parties signed the contract"
"I was near exhausted by the run"
"most everyone agrees"
On all sides; around.
"The hikers walked about the ancient stone ruins in silence."
In a circle around; all round; on every side of; on the outside of.
"The crowd gathered about the stage, surrounding the performers from every direction."