Amidst vs. Among — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 19, 2024
Amidst is used to describe being in the middle of something, often in a surrounding or ongoing situation, while among indicates being part of a group or within a collective.
Difference Between Amidst and Among
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Amidst implies being surrounded by or in the middle of something, often referring to situations or environments. For example, "amidst the chaos" or "amidst the trees" suggests being in the center of those conditions. Among, on the other hand, refers to being part of a group or surrounded by multiple elements. It emphasizes the relationship within a collective or crowd, such as "among friends" or "among the crowd."
Amidst is more commonly used in literary or formal contexts, adding a sense of immersion within an environment or situation. Among is more straightforward and commonly used in everyday language to denote inclusion within a group.
Comparison Chart
Definition
In the middle of or surrounded by
Part of a group or within a collective
Usage Context
Often literary or formal
Common in everyday language
Examples of Context
Situations or environments
Groups or multiple elements
ADVERTISEMENT
Emphasis
Immersion within a situation
Inclusion within a group
Common Phrases
"Amidst the chaos," "Amidst the trees"
"Among friends," "Among the students"
Compare with Definitions
Amidst
During an ongoing situation.
Amidst the negotiations, tensions were high.
Among
Part of a group.
He was chosen among many candidates.
Amidst
In the middle of or surrounded by something.
She found herself amidst the crowd at the concert.
Among
Distributed in or throughout.
The treasure was hidden among the rocks.
Amidst
In the presence of.
He stood amidst the ruins of the old castle.
Among
In the company of or surrounded by.
She felt comfortable among her friends.
Amidst
Surrounded by a particular environment.
The cabin was nestled amidst the forest.
Among
Included or involved in.
He is well-known among his peers.
Amidst
In the midst of.
Amidst all the excitement, she forgot her purse.
Among
In the midst of several elements.
There was an apple among the oranges.
Amidst
Variant of amid.
Among
Situated more or less centrally in relation to (several other things)
You're among friends
Flowers hidden among the roots of the trees
Amidst
In the midst or middle of; surrounded or encompassed by; among.
Among
Being a member or members of (a larger set)
Snakes are among the animals most feared by man
A British woman was among the 54 victims of the disaster
Amidst
In the midst or middle of; surrounded or encompassed by; among.
But rather famish them amid their plenty.
The seraph Abdiel, faithful found;Among the faithless faithful only he,
From amidst them forth he passed,
Those squalid cabins and uncleared woods amidst which he was born.
Among
Occurring in or shared by (some members of a group or community)
Members of the government bickered among themselves
A drop in tooth decay among children
Among
Indicating a division, choice, or differentiation involving three or more participants
The State Council would elect a temporary president from among its members
The old king called the three princesses to divide his kingdom among them
Among
In the midst of; surrounded by
A pine tree among cedars.
Among
In the group, number, or class of
She is among the wealthy.
Among
In the company of; in association with
Traveling among a group of tourists.
Among
By many or the entire number of; with many
A custom popular among the Greeks.
Among
By the joint action of
Among us, we will finish the job.
Among
With portions to each of
Distribute this among you.
Among
With or against one another
Don't fight among yourselves. See Usage Note at between.
Among
Denotes a mingling or intermixing with distinct or separable objects. (See Usage Note at amidst.)
How can you speak with authority about their customs when you have never lived among them?
Among
Denotes a belonging of a person or a thing to a group.
He is among the few who completely understand the subject.
Among
Denotes a sharing of a common feature in a group.
Lactose intolerance is common among people of Asian heritage.
Among
Mixed or mingled; surrounded by.
They heard,And from his presence hid themselves amongThe thickest trees.
Among
Conjoined, or associated with, or making part of the number of; in the number or class of.
Blessed art thou among women.
Among
Expressing a relation of dispersion, distribution, etc.; also, a relation of reciprocal action.
What news among the merchants?
Human sacrifices were practiced among them.
Divide that gold amongst you.
Whether they quarreled among themselves, or with their neighbors.
Common Curiosities
Can "amidst" and "among" be used interchangeably?
No, they are not interchangeable. "Amidst" implies being surrounded by something, whereas "among" indicates being one of several within a group.
Can "amidst" be used to refer to people?
Yes, but it typically refers to being in the middle of a situation involving people, like "amidst the crowd," rather than being part of a group.
What is the main difference between "amidst" and "among"?
"Amidst" refers to being in the middle of something, often a situation or environment, while "among" refers to being part of a group or within a collective.
Is "amidst" more formal than "among"?
Yes, "amidst" is often considered more formal or literary, while "among" is commonly used in everyday language.
How would you use "amidst" in a sentence?
"She felt a sense of calm amidst the bustling city."
How would you use "among" in a sentence?
"He is well-respected among his colleagues."
Can "among" refer to a physical location?
Yes, "among" can refer to physical placement within a group of objects or people, such as "among the trees."
Is it correct to say "among the chaos"?
No, the correct phrase is "amidst the chaos," as it describes being in the middle of a chaotic situation.
Does "amidst" imply a closer proximity than "among"?
Yes, "amidst" often implies being surrounded by or in close proximity to something, whereas "among" indicates inclusion within a group.
What is a synonym for "amidst"?
A synonym for "amidst" is "in the midst of."
Can "among" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "among" can be used in both formal and informal writing.
Are there contexts where only "amidst" is appropriate?
Yes, contexts that describe being surrounded by or in the middle of a specific situation or environment are appropriate for "amidst."
Is "amidst" commonly used in casual conversation?
No, "amidst" is more commonly found in formal or literary contexts, not in casual conversation.
Can "among" be used with singular nouns?
No, "among" is used with plural nouns or groups, not singular nouns.
What is a synonym for "among"?
A synonym for "among" is "within."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Admiration vs. Attraction
Next Comparison
Putty vs. MasticAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
