Amid vs. Amidst: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 17, 2023
Amid and amidst both mean "in the middle of" or "surrounded by," with "amidst" being a more poetic or formal variant of "amid."
Key Differences
"Amid" is a preposition that signifies being in the middle or surrounded by something. "Amidst," on the other hand, carries the same meaning but is often considered a more poetic or archaic version of the word.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
While "amid" is commonly used in everyday speech and writing, "amidst" is found in more literary contexts or when a more formal tone is desired.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Both "amid" and "amidst" are used to show a position or situation surrounded by something else. However, "amid" is more concise, whereas "amidst" has an old-world charm to it.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
You can use "amid" and "amidst" interchangeably in most cases without changing the meaning. That being said, your choice between them might be influenced by the tone or style you aim to achieve.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
If one is aiming for modern, concise language, "amid" would be the preferred choice. However, if the intent is to convey a sense of antiquity or poetic nuance, "amidst" would be more fitting.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Amid and Amidst Definitions
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Amidst
During the happening of.
Amidst the celebrations, they announced their engagement.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Amidst
With many things around.
The secret garden was hidden amidst tall grasses.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
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.
Sumera Saeed
Feb 22, 2016
FAQs
Which word is more commonly used in American English?
"Amid" is more commonly used than "amidst" in American English.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Is "amidst" more formal than "amid"?
Yes, "amidst" is often considered more poetic or formal than "amid."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Is "amidst" archaic?
While not completely archaic, "amidst" is less commonly used and has an old-world charm.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Do "amid" and "amidst" have any verb forms?
No, both are prepositions and don't have verb forms.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Is "amidst" a combination of "amid" and "whilst"?
No, "amidst" is not a combination of those words, though it might seem so.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Can "amid" or "amidst" be used to indicate a temporal situation?
While primarily spatial, they can sometimes indicate a temporal context, like "amid celebrations."
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Is "amidst" British English?
While "amidst" can be found in British English, it's not exclusive to it and is used in other forms of English as well.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Should I always use "amid" to sound modern?
Not necessarily, but "amid" is more concise and commonly used in modern contexts.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Are there any major publications or style guides that prefer one word over the other?
Most style guides don't mandate a strict preference, but they might note that "amid" is more common and concise in modern writing.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Are "amid" and "amidst" synonyms?
Yes, both words essentially mean "in the middle of" or "surrounded by."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Can "amid" and "amidst" be used interchangeably?
In most contexts, they can be, though the choice might be influenced by the desired tone or style.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Is there a difference in meaning between the two words?
There's no significant difference in meaning. Both convey the idea of being surrounded by or in the middle of something.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Are there other words similar to "amid" and "amidst"?
Yes, words like "among" and "between" can have similar meanings in certain contexts.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Can "amidst" be used in poetry?
Yes, "amidst" is often used in poetry due to its poetic nuance.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Do both words function as prepositions?
Yes, both "amid" and "amidst" function as prepositions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Do the words have different origins?
Both originate from Old English, but "amidst" has the '-st' suffix added.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Can "amid" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "amid" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Is it incorrect to use "amidst" in everyday speech?
No, but it might sound more formal or old-fashioned to some listeners.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Are there situations where one should avoid using "amid" or "amidst"?
Both words are grammatically correct, but the choice should be based on the desired tone or context.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
