Amongst

Part of Speech

Preposition

Pronunciation

/əˈmʌŋst/

Definitions

• In the middle of or surrounded by a group of people, things, or places.
• In or through a group of items or people.
• Used to indicate inclusion or involvement within a group.

Usage Examples

• The debate took place amongst the scholars.
• There is a sense of camaraderie amongst the team members.
• The truth was lost amongst the rumors.

Etymology

"Amongst" is a variant of "among" that has been used in English since the Middle Ages. It likely developed through a more formal or poetic usage. While "among" is still more commonly used today, "amongst" is retained in some dialects and in more formal or literary contexts. The root of both "among" and "amongst" is from Old English "on gemang," meaning "in the company of" or "in a group."

Synonyms

• Among
• Between
• With
• In the midst of

Antonyms

• Outside
• Alone
• Excluding
• Beyond

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

While "amongst" is more commonly used in British English, it is less frequently used in American English, where "among" is preferred in everyday speech. In some dialects of English, particularly older or more formal styles, "amongst" may be favored in certain contexts, such as poetry or legal language.

Historical Usage

The word "amongst" has a long history in English. It was commonly used in Middle English as a variant of "among" and retained a certain formal tone. Over time, it became less common in everyday usage, especially in American English, but it is still often seen in literary and poetic works. In modern English, "amongst" is generally used for stylistic or regional reasons.

Cultural Nuances

The use of "amongst" can carry a certain literary or formal tone. In some contexts, especially in older texts or poetry, it emphasizes a sense of being part of a group in a more artistic or elevated manner. In modern English, "amongst" is typically used for effect, while "among" is preferred in more casual and everyday contexts.

More Information

"Amongst" is often considered a more formal or poetic variant of "among." Though its usage is less common today, it is still found in certain dialects and literary works. The word shares the same meaning as "among," referring to being in the midst of or surrounded by a group of people, things, or places. It is used to express inclusion, distribution, or proximity within a group. Despite its diminishing use in everyday speech, "amongst" still holds a particular place in formal writing and in the preservation of traditional language forms.