amidst

[ uh-midst ]

/ əˈmɪdst /

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See synonyms for amidst on Thesaurus.com

preposition

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of amidst

1250–1300; Middle English amiddes;see amid, -s¹; for -tsee against, amongst, etc.

Words nearby amidst

amidinohydrazone, amido-, amidogen, amidol, amidships, amidst, Midsummer Night's Dream, A, amie, AMIEE, Amiens, amiga

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

AMIDST VS. AMID

What’s the difference between amidst and amid?

Amidst and amid mean the same thing: in the middle of or during.

This can apply to spaces (as in I found my keys amidst/amid all of my other stuff) or situations (as in It was hard to concentrate amidst/amid all the chaos).

Amid is the older and original form of the word. The -st ending (which is the same one found in other words like whilst and against) does not change the meaning. The same thing applies to among and amongst (which can mean the same thing as amid and amidst).

Contrary to popular misconceptions, amidst is not the British English version of amid. Although amidst and amid are completely interchangeable, amid is more commonly used.

Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between amidst and amid, including how amidst got that -st.

Quiz yourself on amidst vs. amid!

True or False?

Amidst should only be used in very formal contexts.

How to use amidst in a sentence

Yvon Guilavogui has four children living amidst an Ebola epidemic in his native Guinea.
From Ebola Country to NYC’s Subways|Michael Daly|October 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Approximately 96,000 trekkers visit Nepal each year to view and walk amidst its spectacular mountains.
Nepal’s Deadliest Avalanche Was Totally Avoidable|Dick Dorworth|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Amidst all the pandemonium, the show just carried on to the consternation of some guests.
Builder Crashes Through Roof Of London Fashion Week Show|Tom Sykes|September 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ultimately, The Slap becomes something heartwarming amidst the barrage of stinging smacks.
Viral Video of the Day: Slapping Brings People Together|Alex Chancey|June 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But how did Hard Choices do amidst this mass media onslaught?
Hillary’s Book Sales Are Weak by Clinton Standards|Jason Pinter|June 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In Manila particularly, amidst the pealing of bells and strains of music, unfeigned enthusiasm and joy were everywhere evident.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
And with that the host gave him such a kick as sent him howling into the street, amidst the roars of the company.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
Within were the park and the deer, and the mansion rearing its brilliant columns amidst the redundant groves of a Spanish autumn.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
I felt proud of being married; of being your wife—I did indeed, Val—and I was in a fever to be amidst my world of friends.
Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood
“It would exercise its running powers,” answered Mr. Ryan, amidst great laughter.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow