What is the Difference Between Amid and Amidst?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between "amid" and "amidst" is minimal, as both words essentially mean the same thing, and their usage is mostly a matter of preference. Both words are used to indicate being in the middle of something or surrounded by something. Here are the key points:
- Meaning: Both "amid" and "amidst" refer to being in the middle or surrounded by something, whether it is a physical environment or a quality.
- Usage: "Amid" is more commonly used, particularly in American English. However, both words are used by British English speakers as well.
- Etymology: "Amid" is actually an older form than "amidst". The word "amidst" acquired its extra "-st" from superlatives in "-st" in the mid-1500s.
In summary, there is no significant difference between "amid" and "amidst." They are interchangeable, with "amid" being more commonly used, but both words can be used to indicate the same meaning.
Comparative Table: Amid vs Amidst
The words "amid" and "amidst" are both prepositions that mean the same thing: in the middle of something or surrounded by something. They are interchangeable, and the choice between them is a matter of personal preference. Here is a table comparing their usage:
| Amid | Amidst | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | In the middle of something or surrounded by something | In the middle of something or surrounded by something |
| Usage | Describes a person or object standing in the middle of a location or at the center of attention | Describes a person or object standing in the middle of a location or at the center of attention |
| Examples | He could move slowly amid the crowd On the weekends, we love to hike in the forest amid the trees and wildlife |
The minister reached the place amidst tight security As an introvert, when I'm at a party, I need to find some quiet amidst the noise |
In terms of the difference between "amid" and "amidst," some users in the southeastern US suggest that "amid" is used exclusively for positional reference (i.e., inside a crowd, between buildings), while "amidst" is used for time-span or non-physical reference (i.e., during the confusion, over the course of his studies). However, this distinction is not consistently observed, and both words can be used similarly in various contexts.
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