Definition of Amidst
The word amidst is a preposition that means in the middle of, surrounded by, or during a particular situation or set of circumstances. It is often used in formal or literary contexts and is synonymous with “amid.”
Synonyms for Amidst
Strongest Matches (Exact or Near-Exact Synonyms)
- Amid
- Among
- Within
- Amongst
- Surrounded by
Strong Matches (Similar Meaning in Context)
- Encircled by
- In the midst of
- Between
- Throughout
- In the thick of
Weak Matches (Context-Dependent Synonyms)
- During
- Throughout
- While
- Amongst all
- Beside
- Amidst of (archaic or incorrect usage)
Example Sentences Using Amidst
- Literary Usage: “The castle stood amidst rolling green hills and dense forests.”
- Emotional Context: “She found solace amidst the chaos of her daily life.”
- Historical Context: “Amidst the political turmoil, the leader remained steadfast in his beliefs.”
- Business/Corporate Use: “The company thrived amidst the economic downturn.”
- Everyday Speech: “Amidst all the noise, I could hear my phone ringing.”
Contextual Usage of Amidst
- Formal Writing & Literature: Preferred for poetic, historical, or descriptive writing.
- News & Journalism: Commonly used in reporting to indicate events occurring within certain circumstances (e.g., “Amidst rising inflation, the stock market fluctuated unpredictably.”)
- Casual Conversation: Less commonly used; “amid” or “among” are often preferred.
- Academic & Technical Writing: Suitable in structured, formal discourse, but often replaced with “among” in modern usage.
Related Words & Phrases
- Surrounding (adj.) – Indicating things present around something.
- Engulfed by (v.) – Implies being completely covered or surrounded.
- Interspersed with (v.) – Suggests being scattered throughout.
- Immersed in (v.) – Refers to deep involvement within a situation or place.
- Between (prep.) – Indicates placement relative to two or more things.
Additional Information
- “Amidst” is more commonly used in British English, while “amid” is more popular in American English.
- It is a preposition, meaning it usually precedes a noun or noun phrase.
- The use of “amidst” is slightly more poetic or elevated in tone compared to “amid.”
Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. Language usage varies by region, context, and audience. It is always advisable to consider the formality and appropriateness of word choice depending on the setting.
