ABOUT TO Meaning and
Definition
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About to is a time marker or phrase used to indicate that an action or event is imminent or very close to happening in the near future. It is often used to express a state of readiness, anticipation, or expectation.
In a literal sense, about to signifies the immediate moments before an intended action or occurrence. It emphasizes that something is just on the verge of happening or beginning, implying that all necessary preparations have been made and one is ready to proceed. For instance, if someone says "I am about to leave," it suggests that they are on the brink of departure and will do so imminently.
Figuratively, about to can also convey the state of being close to experiencing a particular emotion or situation. It implies that one is on the cusp of something, such as an important revelation, an imminent change, or reaching a significant milestone. For instance, if someone says "I am about to make a major breakthrough," it indicates that they are at the threshold of a significant discovery or achievement.
In summary, about to emphasizes the immediacy or proximity of an action, event, or emotional state, highlighting that it is poised to happen or unfold in the very near future. This phrase captures the sense of anticipation and readiness that often accompanies the brink of something significant.
Top Common Misspellings for ABOUT TO *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Etymology of ABOUT TO
The word "about to" is a combination of two distinct words: "about" and "to".
1. "About" derives from the Old English word "abutan", which means "around" or "surrounding". It is a combination of the Old English prefix "a-" (meaning "on") and "butan" (meaning "outside" or "without"). Over time, "abutan" evolved into "about" in Middle English, still retaining the sense of "around" or "surrounding".
2. "To" is a preposition that originates from the Old English word "tō". This Old English term was derived from the Proto-Germanic "tau", which meant "toward" or "to". The Old English "tō" evolved into the modern English "to" with the same essential meaning of indicating direction or purpose.
Idioms with the word ABOUT TO
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be about to do something
The idiom "be about to do something" means to be on the brink or near the point of doing something. It implies that an action or event is imminent and could happen very soon.
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not about to
The idiom "not about to" means unwilling or determined not to do something or be involved in a particular situation. It implies a strong determination not to comply, participate, or engage in a specific action or event.
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about to (do something)
The idiom "about to (do something)" means being on the verge of or very close to doing a specific action or task, implying that it will happen soon or in the immediate future. It suggests being in a state of readiness or preparedness to complete the mentioned action.
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not be about to do something
The idiom "not be about to do something" means to strongly refuse or indicate that one has no intention or willingness to do a particular action or task. It implies a firm determination to avoid or resist doing something.
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about to do
The idiom "about to do" refers to being on the verge of or just on the point of doing something. It signifies that the action is imminent or very close to happening.
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about to
"About to" is an idiom that means on the verge of doing something or just about to do something. It implies that an action or event is imminent or very close to happening.
Similar spelling words for ABOUT TO
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