During vs. Amid — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 14, 2024
During emphasizes a specific period or event, focusing on timing; amid highlights being surrounded by or in the middle of circumstances, often more abstract.
Difference Between During and Amid
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
During refers to a timeframe or event within which something happens, indicating a clear start and end. For example, activities that occur during the summer have a defined period. On the other hand, amid suggests being surrounded by conditions or events, typically without a clear boundary, focusing on being in the midst of a situation rather than its timing.
During is often used to specify when an action occurs, suggesting a temporal context. It is commonly associated with a more concrete timeframe. Conversely, amid conveys a sense of being enveloped by or involved in something more general or abstract, such as emotions, conditions, or non-temporal situations.
The use of during is preferable when the emphasis is on the duration of time. This usage helps in understanding the temporal sequence or when something takes place within a defined period. Whereas amid is more about the setting or environment, offering a sense of immersion without focusing on the temporal aspect.
During can be used to highlight activities or experiences that happen at a specific time, suggesting a linear timeline. This makes it ideal for narratives or descriptions that require clarity on timing. Amid, however, is adept at portraying a sense of being amongst or influenced by broader, often intangible factors.
In narrative or descriptive contexts, during is chosen to anchor events or actions in time, providing a sense of when they occur. Meanwhile, amid is often used to evoke a feeling of being surrounded by or dealing with certain conditions, adding a layer of complexity or depth to the description without a clear temporal reference.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Timeframe or specific event
Conditions or situations
Usage Context
Temporal, with clear start and end
Abstract, without clear boundaries
Connotation
Specificity in timing
Being surrounded by or amidst
Common Usage
"during the summer", "during the movie"
"amid controversy", "amid the chaos"
Narrative Role
Emphasizes when something happens
Emphasizes setting or environment
Compare with Definitions
During
Throughout the course or duration of (time).
She visited Italy during the summer.
Amid
In the middle of; surrounded by; among.
She found peace amid the chaos.
During
At some point in the course of.
The power went out during the storm.
Amid
Surrounded by the circumstances or events of.
They stood firm amid the challenges.
During
Indicating a period or event when something occurs.
Many shops close during the holidays.
Amid
With the background or amidst conditions of.
The treaty was signed amid much controversy.
During
Throughout the entirety or a part of (an event, period, etc.).
He was very calm during the presentation.
Amid
During; at a time of.
Amid economic downturns, wise investments are crucial.
During
Within the bounds or timeframe of.
During his tenure, the company's profits doubled.
Amid
While being encircled or enveloped by.
The castle stands majestic amid rolling hills.
During
Throughout the course or duration of
Suffered food shortages during the war.
Amid
Surrounded by; in the middle of.
During
At some time in
Was born during a blizzard.
Amid
In the middle of; in the center of; surrounded by.
During
For all of a given time interval.
I lived with my parents during the 1970s.
The shop was one of the few able to stay open during the war.
Amid
See Amidst.
During
At any time or period within a given time interval.
I lived with my parents at several points during the 1980s.
Many of the best examples were produced during the Restoration.
During
Present participle of dure
During
In the time of; as long as the action or existence of; as, during life; during the space of a year.
Common Curiosities
How do I know when to use during or amid in a sentence?
Use during when referring to a specific timeframe or event, and amid when you're describing being in the midst of or surrounded by certain conditions.
What is the primary difference between during and amid?
During focuses on a specific timeframe or event, while amid highlights being in the middle of circumstances or surrounded by them.
Is amid only used for negative situations?
No, amid can be used for both positive and negative contexts, depending on the surrounding conditions or events being described.
Do during and amid have synonyms that can be used interchangeably with them?
Yes, but the choice of synonyms depends on the context. For during, "throughout" or "in the course of" can be alternatives; for amid, "among" or "in the middle of" might work.
Can during be used without mentioning a specific time or event?
No, during is typically used to refer to a specific time period or event within which something else occurs.
How does context change the use of during and amid?
The choice between during and amid depends on whether the focus is on a specific timeframe or being in the midst of conditions or situations, respectively.
Can amid imply a sense of conflict or difficulty?
Yes, amid can imply being in a difficult or challenging situation, but its use is not limited to negative contexts.
Can during be used to indicate the cause of something?
During is primarily used to denote when something happens, not the cause of it.
Can amid be used in a positive sense?
Yes, amid can convey positive situations, such as "amid celebrations" or "amid joyous occasions."
Can during and amid be used interchangeably?
No, because during emphasizes timing and specific periods, whereas amid focuses on being surrounded by conditions or situations.
What kind of situations are best described with amid?
Situations that involve being surrounded by or in the middle of broader conditions, often without a clear temporal boundary, are best described with amid.
Is during more formal than amid?
Both during and amid are formal, but their usage depends on the context rather than formality.
Is it correct to say "amid the night"?
No, "during the night" is the correct expression because it refers to a specific time period.
Are there exceptions to the typical uses of during and amid?
While there are general guidelines for using during and amid, creative or figurative language can lead to exceptions based on the desired emphasis or stylistic choice.
How does the use of during affect the structure of a narrative?
Using during helps to clearly place events or actions within a specific timeframe, aiding in the chronological understanding of the narrative.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
