amid

The word “amid” means in the middle of; surrounded by. In plain terms, a more formal way of saying "in the middle of" or "surrounded by.".

“Amid” is pronounced uh-MIHD (/əˈmɪd/ in IPA).

Here is “amid” used in a sentence: “The old cottage stood amid a field of wildflowers.”

“Amid” is a preposition.

The word “amid” comes from Old English. From Old English on middan, "in the middle" — related to "mid" and "middle.".

“Amid” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

"Amid" and "amidst" mean the same thing, "in the middle of" or "surrounded by," and are interchangeable. "Amid" is slightly more common in modern English, while "amidst" can sound a touch more literary or formal.

"Among" is used with countable, separate things, as in "among the trees," while "amid" is used for a mass, abstract situation, or something not counted individually, as in "amid the chaos." Choose "amid" when surrounded by an uncountable whole and "among" for distinct items.

"Amid" is somewhat formal and appears most often in writing, especially journalism, as in "amid growing concern." In everyday speech, phrases like "in the middle of" or "surrounded by" are more common.

"Amid" is typically followed by a singular mass noun or an abstract situation, as in "amid the confusion" or "amid uncertainty." When the surrounding things are countable and plural, "among" is usually the better choice.