right about: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “right about” mean?
A phrasal adverb meaning 'approximately at that point or time', often used to specify location or to indicate a sudden change in action or opinion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A phrasal adverb meaning 'approximately at that point or time', often used to specify location or to indicate a sudden change in action or opinion.
Can signal an imminent or recent reversal in direction, movement, or stance. Also used informally as an expression meaning 'you are correct about that; that's true' when responding to a statement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The locative/temporal use is common in both. The verb phrase 'to right about' (or 'right-about-face') is more strongly associated with military commands and is used metaphorically in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, the phrase carries a casual, conversational tone. The command 'Right about!' has formal, authoritative connotations.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English as a conversational filler (e.g., 'right about now').
Grammar
How to Use “right about” in a Sentence
[be] right about + [noun phrase/clause][verb] right about + [adverbial of place/time]Right about!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “right about” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The battalion was ordered to right about and march south.
- He right abouted when he saw the closed road.
American English
- The CEO right abouted on the merger decision after the report.
- Right about, march!
adverb
British English
- The train is due right about half past two.
- He lives right about the city centre.
American English
- Right about now, I'm starting to get hungry.
- Turn right about here.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used informally in meetings: 'Profits turned right about at the start of Q3.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing; may appear in historical narratives describing changes.
Everyday
Common in casual speech for time/place: 'The bus should be here right about now.' Also as agreement: 'You're right about the weather.'
Technical
Used in navigation and military contexts for change of direction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “right about”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “right about”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “right about”
- Using 'right about' in formal writing where 'approximately' or 'at precisely' is better. Confusing 'right about' (adverbial) with 'right, about...' (two separate words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily informal. It is common in speech and casual writing but should be replaced with more precise terms in formal contexts.
Yes, especially in the phrase 'to right about' or 'to right-about-face', meaning to turn around or reverse direction/opinion. It's derived from military drill.
'Right about' often implies a more specific, imminent point (in time or space). 'Just about' is vaguer and can mean 'almost' or 'nearly'.
As a fixed phrase: 'You're right about that.' It confirms the truth of a specific point someone made.
A phrasal adverb meaning 'approximately at that point or time', often used to specify location or to indicate a sudden change in action or opinion.
Right about: in British English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt əˈbaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt əˈbaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Right about face!”
- “Come right about”
- “To do a right about-turn”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clock: the hand points RIGHT to the number, which is ABOUT the time.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE/TIME IS A POINT ON A PATH (locative use); CHANGE OF OPINION IS TURNING THE BODY (verbal use).
Practice
Quiz
In the military command 'Right about!', what is the expected action?