Amidst vs. Amid — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 27, 2023
Amidst and Amid both mean "in the middle of" or "surrounded by"; however, "amid" is more commonly used in modern American English, while "amidst" is considered somewhat archaic.
Difference Between Amidst and Amid
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Key Differences
Amidst and Amid are prepositions that denote being surrounded by or being in the middle of something. The primary distinction between the two is their usage in different forms of English and over different periods of time. Amidst is a variant of Amid and has its roots in older forms of English, making it sound somewhat more poetic or archaic in contemporary usage.
While both words can be used interchangeably in many contexts without changing the meaning, Amid is more frequently found in modern American English. The choice between Amidst and Amid often comes down to style and tone. For someone wishing to convey a more traditional or poetic tone, Amidst might be the preferred choice. However, for everyday language and formal writing, Amid is often more suitable.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
In the middle of, surrounded by
In the middle of, surrounded by
Usage Frequency
Less common, archaic
More common in modern American English
Tone
Traditional, poetic
Neutral, standard
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Origin
Older English
Middle English
Example Usage
Amidst the trees
Amid the crowd
Compare with Definitions
Amidst
Surrounded by; in the middle of.
The cabin was hidden amidst the trees.
Amid
Among.
He found himself amid strangers.
Amidst
During.
Amidst the celebration, a surprise announcement was made.
Amid
During.
Amid the uproar, they escaped unnoticed.
Amidst
In an environment or scene of.
She found peace amidst nature.
Amid
Within.
Amid all the troubles, she stayed optimistic.
Amidst
Among.
He was lost amidst the chaos.
Amid
Encircled by; enveloped by.
The island sits amid the vast ocean.
Amidst
Encircled by; enveloped by.
The town stood amidst majestic mountains.
Amid
Surrounded by; in the middle of.
Amidst
Variant of amid.
Amid
In the middle of; in the center of; surrounded by.
Amidst
In the midst or middle of; surrounded or encompassed by; among.
Amid
See Amidst.
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.
Common Curiosities
Do both words have the same origin?
Yes, both come from Middle English, but "amidst" has an older feel.
Is one word more British than the other?
"Amidst" is more commonly used in British English, but both can be found.
Are Amidst and Amid interchangeable?
Yes, they can often be used interchangeably, but "amid" is more common in modern American English.
Can I use Amidst in formal writing?
Yes, but "amid" is generally preferred in modern formal contexts.
Can Amid be used in everyday speech?
Yes, "amid" is suitable for both casual and formal contexts.
Which is more concise?
"Amid" is shorter and more concise than "amidst".
Which word is more poetic?
"Amidst" has a more poetic or traditional tone.
Is Amidst archaic?
While not entirely archaic, "amidst" is considered more old-fashioned than "amid".
Do they both function as prepositions?
Yes, both Amidst and Amid are prepositions.
Is "amid the celebration" a correct phrase?
Yes, it correctly uses "amid".
Why might someone choose Amid over Amidst?
"Amid" is more commonly used, especially in American English, and has a neutral tone.
In which scenarios should I use Amid?
"Amid" is great for everyday language, formal writing, and when discussing being surrounded by something.
Should I avoid using Amidst in modern writing?
Not necessarily, but be aware it has a more traditional tone than "amid".
Do they both convey the same idea of being surrounded?
Yes, both Amidst and Amid convey the concept of being in the middle of or surrounded by something.
Can I say "amidst all the noise"?
Yes, that's a correct usage of "amidst".
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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.
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.
