amidst

American  

[uh-midst] / əˈmɪdst /

preposition

1. amid.

---

Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of amidst

1250–1300; Middle English amiddes; see amid, -s ¹; for -t see against, amongst, etc.

Example Sentences

"Amidst this volatile backdrop, it is more important than ever that government keeps other inflationary pressures within its control to a minimum to protect households," he added.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Amidst a deafening roar, UltraServers packed with 144 of the Trainium AI-accelerator chips were being put through their paces at Annapurna in a routine check prior to delivery.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

Amidst these headlines are people just like Molina and Arregui — activists, artists and human beings — finding their own ways to survive and resist an increasingly paranoid and repressive government.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025

"Amidst severe hunger and famine-like conditions, many families tell us they are now too weak to compete for food rations," the groups said.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2025

Amidst it Sam heard a shrill bellowing or trumpeting.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien