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Whereabouts - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Whereabouts refers to the approximate location or position of someone or something. It is often used to ask or state where a person or object can be found.

whereabouts

/ˈwɛrəˌbaʊts/ /ˈweərəbaʊts/

Definition:

The place where someone or something is located or can be found.

Synonyms:

location, position, site, locale

Part of Speech:

noun, adverb

Antonyms:

absence, nowhere

Common Collocations:

current whereabouts, exact whereabouts, unknown whereabouts

Derivatives:

whereabout (archaic), whereabout (noun)

Usage Tips:

Use "whereabouts" for general locations; avoid for precise addresses unless context allows vagueness.

Common Phrases:

keep track of someone's whereabouts, lose track of someone's whereabouts

Etymology:

From Middle English "wher aboutes," combining "where" and "about" with adverbial genitive "-s."

Examples:

  • 1. Do you know his current whereabouts?
  • 2. The police are investigating the suspect's whereabouts last night.
  • 3. Her whereabouts remain unknown despite extensive searches.
  • 4. We need to confirm the package's exact whereabouts before delivery.

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