1 C1 formal
To distribute something among a group of people; to pass something around.
"The pamphlets were given about to all who attended the meeting."
separable
give about
C1 formal separable transitive
An archaic or dialectal expression meaning to distribute or pass something around.
In plain English
To give something to several people by passing it around.
What does "give about" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To give something in various directions, spreading it around.
Actually means
To give something to several people by passing it around.
Usage tip
Extremely rare in modern English. Found mainly in older texts or in certain regional British dialects. Modern speakers would universally prefer 'give out,' 'hand out,' or 'pass around.' ESL learners are unlikely to encounter this in everyday use.
Words that pair with "give about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
copies leaflets food alms notices
How to conjugate "give about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
give about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gives about
he/she/it
Past simple
gave about
yesterday
Past participle
given about
have + pp
-ing form
giving about
continuous
Hear "give about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "give about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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