Amid vs Amidst
What’s the difference between them?
Amid
Meaning:
In the middle of; surrounded by; among.
Examples:
1. The family was reunited amid much rejoicing.
2. The village was surrounded by a thick fog amid the night.
3. Amid the chaos, the rescue team searched for survivors.
Amidst
Meaning:
Amidst means 'in the middle of' or 'surrounded by'.
Examples:
1. Amidst the chaos of the battlefield, the soldier remained calm.
2. Amidst her sorrow, she found comfort in her friends and family.
3. Amidst the commotion of the party, she heard the sound of laughter.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Amid
1. Among
2. In the midst of
3. Surrounded by
4. In the middle of
5. Intermingled with
1. Isolate
2. Segregate
3. Disperse
4. Scatter
5. Separate
Amidst
1. In the midst of
2. Embedded
3. Amongst
4. Within
5. Surrounded by
1. Apart from
2. Separate
3. Away from
4. Isolated
5. Not included
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Amid", "Amidst".
1. Amid and amidst are both prepositions that mean 'surrounded by' or 'in the middle of.'
2. However, amidst is typically used in British English, whereas amid is more commonly used in the United States.
3. Remember that in American English words are usually simplified and have less letters.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The word 'amid' should be used in American English as a preposition, usually introducing a phrase that explains where something is located. For example, you could say 'the cat was running amid the trees'.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The word 'amidst' is typically used in British English when introducing a phrase that explains the surrounding of something or someone. For example, 'we gathered amidst the crowd'.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, 'amid' is pronounced (/əˈmɪd/), while amidst is pronounced /əˈmɪdst/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake is not knowing when to use 'amid' or 'amidst'. Both words mean the same thing, but 'amid' is more commonly used than 'amidst' and is often seen as more formal.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The tiny cottage stood ______ the vast, sprawling woods.
2. Even ______ the noise and chaos, she found a moment of peace.
3. The rare bird was spotted ______ the thick forest trees.
4. He managed to remain calm ______ the heated arguments.
5. The poet described the city as a gem ______ the rough.
6. During our trip to London, we discovered a quaint cafe ______ the bustling streets of Covent Garden.
1. Answer: amid/amidst
Explanation: Theres no specific regional hint in this sentence, so either amid or amidst could be used to mean surrounded by or in the middle of.
2. Answer: amid
Explanation: Without a clear British context, the more universally accepted amid is suitable for this sentence.
3. Answer: amid/amidst
Explanation: This sentence also lacks regional specificity, so both amid and amidst are acceptable.
4. Answer: amid
Explanation: Given the lack of a clear British hint, the preferred form is amid.
5. Answer: amid/amidst
Explanation: Without regional hints, either form can be used.
6. Answer: amidst
Explanation: The mention of London and Covent Garden provide a British context. Thus, the British spelling amidst is more apt in this case.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
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