Amidst: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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