Among Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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among
[əˈmʌŋ ]
Definitions
in a group or set
In the midst of; surrounded by; in the company of.
Synonyms
amid, amidst, in the midst of, surrounded by.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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among |
Used when referring to being part of a group, surrounded by other people or things.
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amidst |
Similar to 'amid', used in more poetic or literary contexts to describe being surrounded by or in the middle of something.
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amid |
Often used in formal writing to indicate being in the middle of or surrounded by something, often something not physical like emotions or situations.
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in the midst of |
Typically used to describe being in the middle of an ongoing process or situation.
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surrounded by |
Used to describe being encircled closely by people, objects or situations.
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Examples of usage
- She was among friends at the party.
- He found the book hidden among the clutter on the desk.
included in a specified group
Being a member or members of.
Synonyms
included in, part of, within the group of.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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among |
Used when referring to something being in the middle of or surrounded by other things or people.
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included in |
Used when something is made part of a larger group or whole.
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part of |
Used to express that something is a member or component of a larger entity.
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within the group of |
Used when specifying something inside a particular group.
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Examples of usage
- He was among the top students in the class.
- The painting is among the most famous works of art.
used to indicate a choice or selection
In the number, class, or group of; of which one is chosen.
Synonyms
chosen from, picked out of, selected from.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
among |
Used to indicate a position within a group of people or things. It often implies being surrounded by others or being a part of a group.
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chosen from |
Used when referring to selecting something out of a larger set or group, often indicating a deliberate choice.
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selected from |
Used in more formal or official contexts, indicating a careful or systematic process of choice, often with some criteria or standards.
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picked out of |
Similar to 'chosen from,' but often implies a more casual or personal selection process.
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Examples of usage
- He is among the best in his field.
- She is among the finalists for the competition.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The word appears frequently in classic literature to denote social interactions and settings, emphasizing relationships among characters.
- Famous authors like Shakespeare and Jane Austen used it to illustrate social norms and group dynamics.
- Its usage helps to create depth in storytelling, allowing readers to feel the connection between characters.
Psychology
- 'Among' can describe social dynamics, highlighting feelings of belonging or exclusion within groups.
- Studies show that being 'among' others can impact emotional well-being, making individuals feel more secure or anxious.
- The sense of community often associated with this word is crucial for human development and mental health.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, being 'among' family or friends is emphasized during gatherings and ceremonies, showcasing the importance of community.
- Social sciences often explore how our behavior shifts when we are among different groups, such as family, friends, or colleagues.
- The concept of 'among' plays a key role in shaping cultural identities, influencing how societies interact with one another.
Pop Culture
- Songs and movies often depict characters finding connection or struggle while being 'among' others, reflecting real human experiences.
- In modern social media, people often share feelings about being 'among' their online followers, creating a sense of virtual community.
- Popular phrases like 'among friends' highlight the emotional significance of being part of a group in contemporary storytelling.
Origin of 'among'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'among' which means 'in the midst of' or 'in the company of'.
- Originally, 'among' was used more for things that are physically close to each other rather than people.
- Related words in other Germanic languages showcase similar meanings, such as 'unter' in German, meaning 'under' or 'among'.
The word 'among' originated from Old English 'on gemang', which means 'in a group'. Over the years, the word evolved into 'among' in Middle English. It has been used in English language for centuries to indicate being in the midst of something or included in a specific group.
See also: amongst.