amid
Definition
Meaning: Amid (preposition) means “in the middle of” or “surrounded by.” It is used to indicate that something happens while other things are happening around it, often in a context of confusion, change, or activity.
La signification : Amid signifie « au milieu de », « parmi », ou « dans un contexte de » en anglais. Il s’utilise pour exprimer qu’un événement se produit alors que d’autres choses (souvent importantes ou perturbatrices) se passent autour.
Example: "The company made the announcement amid growing concerns about the economy."
Grammar: Preposition (never used as a noun or verb). Used before nouns: “amid chaos,” “amid protests,” “amid uncertainty.” Synonymous with “in the midst of,” but more formal than “among.”
Quote: "Amid the chaos, there is also opportunity." [Sun Tzu]
Word Analysis
French equivalents »» Au milieu de »» Parmi »» Dans un contexte de Ⓐ Au milieu de la crise, ils ont gardé espoir. Ⓑ L’entreprise a prospéré dans un contexte d’incertitude. English equivalents »» In the midst of »» During »» Among Ⓐ The speech was delivered amid a lot of applause. Ⓑ She found comfort amid her friends.
Dialogue
Sarah: "Why did the meeting get postponed?"
James: "It was decided amid all the confusion about the new regulations."
Sarah: "That makes sense. There’s a lot happening right now."
James: "Yes, decisions are tough amid so much uncertainty."
Poem Extract
A Crazed Girl [excerpt]
That crazed girl improvising her music.
Her poetry, dancing upon the shore,
Her soul in division from itself
Climbing, falling she knew not where,
Hiding amid the cargo of a steamship,
Her knee-cap broken, that girl I declare
A beautiful lofty thing, or a thing
Heroically lost, heroically found.
William Butler Yeats
Read the Full Poem
Etymology
Origin: The preposition amid comes from Middle English amid(en), a contraction of the phrase “in middes” (in the middle of). It is formed from the prefix a- (meaning “in, on, at”) and mid (meaning “middle”). Its roots trace back to Old English on middan (“in the middle”) and Proto-Germanic midja (“middle”).
Modern Usage: Amid is used in both formal and literary English, often to describe situations happening during or surrounded by other events, especially when those events are significant or dramatic.
Grammar Note: Amid is always a preposition. It is used directly before a noun (never a verb or adjective). Example: “She remained calm amid the chaos.”
Audience
Amid is understood in all varieties of English and is common in news, academic, business, and literary contexts. It is less frequent in everyday spoken English, where “among” or “in the middle of” might be used instead.
When to use: Use amid to convey that something happens while other things are occurring around it, especially in formal writing, journalism, or when describing complex or dramatic situations. Example: “The announcement was made amid widespread speculation.”
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…Amid & amidst
How to pronounce 'amid'
WordReference
For more on idiomatic usage, visit the WordReference Forums for discussions, translations, and examples in context.
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Synonyms⇄Antonyms – Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Amid / Amidst"
Amid the chaos
In the middle of a confusing or noisy situation.
Example: "Amid the chaos, she remained calm and focused."
Amidst the controversy
During or surrounded by disagreement or public disapproval.
Example: "Amidst the controversy, the company refused to comment."
Amid growing concerns
While worries or anxieties are increasing.
Example: "The policy was revised amid growing concerns from experts."
Amid the ruins
In the middle of destruction or devastation.
Example: "They found hope amid the ruins of the earthquake."
Amid the noise
Surrounded by loud sound or distraction.
Example: "He managed to concentrate amid the noise of the city."
Amidst nature
In a natural setting, surrounded by natural elements.
Example: "They spent a peaceful weekend amidst nature."
Amid fears of (something)
While people are worried about a particular situation.
Example: "Markets fell amid fears of a recession."
Amid applause
While people are clapping to show approval.
Example: "She stepped onto the stage amid loud applause."
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