Amidst: meaning, definitions and examples

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amidst

 

[ษ™หˆmษชdst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Preposition

in the middle of

Surrounded by; in the middle of; in the midst of.

Synonyms

amid, amongst, within.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amidst

Used to describe something happening in the middle of or surrounded by other things. It gives a poetic or formal tone.

  • She found her way amidst the confusion.
  • Amidst the chaos, he remained calm.
amongst

Primarily used in British English to mean 'in the middle of' or 'surrounded by'. It has a somewhat old-fashioned tone in American English.

  • She was popular amongst her peers.
  • They shared secrets amongst themselves.
amid

Can be used interchangeably with 'amidst' but is slightly more common and modern in regular use. It's less formal.

  • There was a small house amid the forest.
  • He stood strong amid the challenges.
within

Describes something inside a particular area or time. It is often used to indicate boundaries or limits.

  • You must complete the task within an hour.
  • The treasure is hidden within the castle walls.

Examples of usage

  • He was walking amidst the crowd.
  • The house stood amidst a beautiful garden.
  • The children played happily amidst the flowers.
Context #2 | Adverb

surrounded by

In the middle of a group of people or things.

Synonyms

among, in the middle of, surrounded by.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amidst

Used to describe a situation where someone or something is in the middle of or surrounded by things or circumstances. It often implies a sense of being engulfed or enclosed.

  • She found herself amidst the chaos of the festival
  • The company is thriving amidst economic downturns
surrounded by

Describes a situation where someone or something is enclosed on all sides by other things or people. It often conveys a more literal sense of being encircled.

  • They were surrounded by beautiful mountains
  • He felt lonely even though he was surrounded by people
in the middle of

Used when something or someone is located at the central point of a place, activity, or event. It can indicate a physical or metaphorical center.

  • She stopped walking in the middle of the street
  • We were right in the middle of a heated discussion
among

Appropriate when talking about something or someone being part of a group or in the company of others. It suggests one is included within a group or collective.

  • He felt at ease among friends
  • The treasure was hidden among the bushes

Examples of usage

  • She stood quietly amidst the chaos.
  • The old castle lies amidst the mountains.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'amidst' originates from the Old English term 'on middan,' meaning 'in the middle.'
  • It has roots in both Middle English and Old Norse, suggesting a long history of meaning 'among' or 'between.'
  • The use of 'amidst' emphasizes the act of being surrounded or enclosed, giving it a poetic feeling in language.

Literature

  • This term has been utilized in classic poetry to evoke imagery of nature and human feelings, enhancing the emotional landscape.
  • Many authors, such as William Shakespeare, employed 'amidst' to create a sense of setting and atmosphere in their works.
  • In modern literature, 'amidst' captures a sense of contrast, often placing characters in difficult situations within a broader context.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'amidst' often appears in popular songs and films to convey depth and emotional complexity, connecting characters to their environments.
  • Popular music lyrics frequently use 'amidst' to express struggles, where characters find themselves 'amidst' turmoil or love.
  • This word can create an impactful image in storytelling, helping to portray characters as deeply rooted in their surroundings.

Psychology

  • Being 'amidst' can invoke feelings of security or anxiety, depending on the context and one's perception of being surrounded.
  • The sense of belonging 'amidst' a group often influences mental well-being, highlighting the importance of social connections.
  • In moments of stress, finding oneself amidst a calm environment can help in relaxation and anxiety reduction.

Translations

Translations of the word "amidst" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น no meio de

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‡ เคฌเฅ€เคš เคฎเฅ‡เค‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช mitten in

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ di tengah-tengah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพัะตั€ะตะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ poล›rรณd

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ€œใฎไธญใง

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท au milieu de

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ en medio de

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ortasฤฑnda

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€์šด๋ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ููŠ ูˆุณุท

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ uprostล™ed

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ uprostred

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅœจ...ไน‹ไธญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sredi

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ miรฐri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐั€ะฐัั‹ะฝะดะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒฃแƒแƒจแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ arasฤฑnda

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ en medio de

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,872 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.