According to the Canadian Oxford Dictionary, around is an adverb or preposition that has several meanings, including the following:
- enveloping: The shawl around Meg’s shoulders was too thin for warmth.
- so as to encircle: The Girl Guides sat around the campfire and sang until they were hoarse.
- on every side (of): Looking around the room, he spotted his friends clustered around the piano.
- here and there (in): The toddler bounced around the room.
- near at hand: The dog was always around.
Around is often redundant and can be omitted.
- For a proper fit, measure (around) the narrowest part of the waist.
- I know those socks are (around) here somewhere.
- With this workload, I’m glad to have the extra staff (around).
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