adjective
about
On the point of doing something.
The train is about to leave the crowded station.
Etymology
Old English abutan meant “around” or “on the outside.” In expressions about being occupied with an action, about developed toward readiness; “about to” now places an action just before its beginning.
More examples
- I was about to call you.
- She is about to finish.
- The pot is about to boil.
Forms
about