How Do You Spell KNOCK ABOUT?

Pronunciation: [nˈɒk ɐbˈa͡ʊt] (IPA)

The phrase "knock about" means to move around casually or spend time idly. Pronounced /nɒk əˈbaʊt/, the word "knock" is spelled with a silent "k" and a hard "o" sound. The "about" portion of the phrase is spelled as it sounds, with a soft "a" sound followed by a hard "b." Together, the two words create a phrase that can be used to describe aimless wandering or relaxed activities. Despite its informal connotations, "knock about" can also be used to describe physical contact or damage inflicted on a person or object.

KNOCK ABOUT Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "knock about" is a phrasal verb that carries multiple meanings, depending on its context. Firstly, it can refer to the act of moving or traveling in an aimless or casual manner. This could involve exploring or wandering around without a specific destination or purpose. For example, one might say, "During my vacation, I plan to knock about the city and see what I stumble upon."

    Additionally, "knock about" can describe engaging in rough or informal physical activities, especially when related to sports or games. It often implies an element of energetic or unstructured play, lacking in formality or rules. For instance, children might knock about a soccer ball in the park without adhering to specific regulations.

    Furthermore, "knock about" can also mean experiencing or enduring challenges, difficulties, or hardships. It suggests enduring various life trials or setbacks, while still making progress or developing resilience. For instance, a character in a novel might undergo multiple setbacks, but continue to knock about and persevere to achieve their goals.

    In summary, "knock about" encompasses a range of meanings, including aimless movement or travel, informal physical activity, and enduring hardship. This versatile phrasal verb embodies the notions of casualness, resilience, and exploration.

Common Misspellings for KNOCK ABOUT

  • jnock about
  • mnock about
  • lnock about
  • onock about
  • inock about
  • kbock about
  • kmock about
  • kjock about
  • khock about
  • knick about
  • knkck about
  • knlck about
  • knpck about
  • kn0ck about
  • kn9ck about
  • knoxk about
  • knovk about
  • knofk about
  • knodk about

Etymology of KNOCK ABOUT

The phrase "knock about" originated in the mid-19th century and has roots in nautical terminology. It is a compound of the word "knock", meaning to strike or hit, and "about", which indicates movement or action.

In sailing, "knock" refers to an abrupt change in wind direction, causing the ship to be pushed off course. When a ship is "knocked about", it is subjected to rough and unpredictable movement due to the changing wind conditions. This idea of being tossed around or jostled translated metaphorically into the phrase "knock about" to describe rough or aimless activities.

Over time, "knock about" extended its meaning beyond nautical contexts and came to encompass any form of casual wandering, rough play, or unstructured activity. It is commonly used today to describe engaging in various activities without a clear purpose or direction.

Idioms with the word KNOCK ABOUT

  • knock about (smw) The idiom "knock about (smw)" typically means to travel in an aimless or casual manner, to wander or explore without a specific destination or purpose. It can also refer to physically moving or rearranging things in a rough or careless manner.
  • knock about (somewhere) The idiom "knock about (somewhere)" can have a few different meanings: 1. To move or travel around aimlessly or casually in a particular place or area. Example: "We spent the afternoon knocking about the city, exploring different neighborhoods." 2. To spend time, often in a relaxed or leisurely manner, in a certain location. Example: "We knocked about the beach all day, enjoying the sun and sand." 3. To engage in casual physical activity or sports, often without specific rules or structure. Example: "As a child, I loved to knock about with my friends in the park, playing various games." 4. To experience difficult or challenging circumstances, usually unintentionally or as a result of circumstance. Example
  • knock about To move around in a casual or aimless manner; to spend time in an unhurried way.

Similar spelling words for KNOCK ABOUT

Conjugate verb Knock about

CONDITIONAL

I would knock about
you would knock about
he/she/it would knock about
we would knock about
they would knock about

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be knocking about
you would be knocking about
he/she/it would be knocking about
we would be knocking about
they would be knocking about

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have knock about
you would have knock about
he/she/it would have knock about
we would have knock about
they would have knock about

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been knocking about
you would have been knocking about
he/she/it would have been knocking about
we would have been knocking about
they would have been knocking about

FUTURE

I will knock about
you will knock about
he/she/it will knock about
we will knock about
they will knock about

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be knocking about
you will be knocking about
he/she/it will be knocking about
we will be knocking about
they will be knocking about

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have knocked about
you will have knocked about
he/she/it will have knocked about
we will have knocked about
they will have knocked about

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been knocking about
you will have been knocking about
he/she/it will have been knocking about
we will have been knocking about
they will have been knocking about

IMPERATIVE

you knock about
we let´s knock about

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to knock about

PAST

I knocked about
you knocked about
he/she/it knocked about
we knocked about
they knocked about

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was knocking about
you were knocking about
he/she/it was knocking about
we were knocking about
they were knocking about

PAST PARTICIPLE

knocked about

PAST PERFECT

I had knocked about
you had knocked about
he/she/it had knocked about
we had knocked about
they had knocked about

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been knocking about
you had been knocking about
he/she/it had been knocking about
we had been knocking about
they had been knocking about

PRESENT

I knock about
you knock about
he/she/it knocks about
we knock about
they knock about

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am knocking about
you are knocking about
he/she/it is knocking about
we are knocking about
they are knocking about

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

knocking about

PRESENT PERFECT

I have knocked about
you have knocked about
he/she/it has knocked about
we have knocked about
they have knocked about

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been knocking about
you have been knocking about
he/she/it has been knocking about
we have been knocking about
they have been knocking about

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