get round: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, conversational.
Quick answer
What does “get round” mean?
To persuade someone to do something they were initially unwilling to do.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To persuade someone to do something they were initially unwilling to do.
To avoid a rule, law, or problem; to circumvent. To deal with a difficulty by finding an alternative method. (UK: also 'get around').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English strongly prefers the spelling 'get round'. American English uses 'get around'. The meanings are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK contexts; often associated with a charming or clever form of persuasion.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English; 'get around' is standard in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “get round” in a Sentence
to get round [PERSON] (to do something)to get round [PROBLEM/RULE]to get round (to doing something) [less common, UK-specific for 'to eventually do']Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “get round” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She's very good at getting round her boss when she wants time off.
- We found a legal loophole to get round the import tax.
American English
- She's very good at getting around her boss when she wants time off.
- We found a legal loophole to get around the import tax.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We need to find a way to get round the new compliance regulations without breaking the law."
Academic
Seldom used in formal academic prose. Used in informal discussion of research obstacles.
Everyday
"I finally got round my dad to lend me the car for the weekend."
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts, except in informal project management to mean 'solve a technical obstacle'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “get round”
- *I got round to do it. (Incorrect) -> I got round to doing it. / I got him to do it.
- *She got round the rule by following it. (Contradiction; should be 'by breaking/ignoring/bypassing it').
- Confusing 'get round to' (eventually do) with 'get round' (persuade/avoid).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and conversational. In formal writing, use 'persuade', 'convince', or 'circumvent'.
They are the same phrasal verb. 'Get round' is the standard UK spelling; 'get around' is the standard US spelling.
No. 'Get round to' (UK/US: 'get around to') means to finally find the time to do something (e.g., 'I must get round to replying to those emails'). It's a different, though related, phrasal verb.
Yes, it can imply using charm or deceit to avoid rules or manipulate people (e.g., 'He got round the system'). The context determines the positive or negative nuance.
To persuade someone to do something they were initially unwilling to do.
Get round: in British English it is pronounced /ɡet ˈraʊnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡet əˈraʊnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “win over”
- “talk someone into”
- “find a way around”
- “soften up”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a roadblock (the 'problem'). You 'get round' it by driving on the grass to the side – you avoid it directly but reach your goal.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSUASION IS NAVIGATION / OVERCOMING AN OBSTACLE IS A PHYSICAL DETOUR.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'get round' in the sentence: 'He always gets round his grandmother to give him extra sweets.'?