amongst
uh-MUHNGST
Amongst (prep) means a more formal or old-fashioned variant of "among". Example: “He was regarded as a leader amongst his peers.”
prep
1
A more formal or old-fashioned variant of "among".
"He was regarded as a leader amongst his peers."
"Amongst the old books, she found a letter from her grandfather."
"There was a feeling of excitement amongst the crowd before the concert."
How to use amongst
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExactly the same meaning as "among", just with a slightly more formal or British feel.
When to use it
More common in British English and in formal writing; American English strongly prefers "among".
UK vs US
British writers use "amongst" fairly often; American writers almost always use "among".
Easily confused with
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Etymology
Formed by adding an extra "-t" ending to "amongs" (itself "among" plus a genitive "-s"), a common pattern in older English words like "against".
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “amongst” mean?
The word “amongst” means a more formal or old-fashioned variant of "among". In plain terms, exactly the same meaning as "among", just with a slightly more formal or British feel.
How do you pronounce “amongst”?
“Amongst” is pronounced uh-MUHNGST (/əˈmʌŋst/ in IPA).
How do you use “amongst” in a sentence?
Here is “amongst” used in a sentence: “He was regarded as a leader amongst his peers.”
What is the opposite of “amongst”?
The opposite of “amongst” — its antonyms — are outside, outwith and without.
What part of speech is “amongst”?
“Amongst” is a preposition.
Is “amongst” a common word?
“Amongst” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between amongst and among?
Amongst and among mean exactly the same thing and can be used interchangeably. Amongst is simply a more formal or old-fashioned variant, while among is the more common everyday choice, especially in American English.
Is amongst correct in American English?
Amongst is grammatically correct but sounds noticeably formal or British to American readers, who overwhelmingly prefer among. In American writing, among is the safer and more natural choice in almost every context.
When should you use amongst instead of among?
Choose amongst only when you deliberately want a more formal, literary, or traditional tone; otherwise among is preferable because it reads as simpler and more modern. Neither is more accurate than the other, so the decision is purely about style and register.
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