Amid vs Amidst – Difference and Comparison

What is Amid?

Amid simply means to be in the middle of something or to be surrounded by something. It is a form of preposition that can be used to link two or more two types of words. For instance, a noun or pronoun, a pronoun, and a pronoun or for a noun to noun linkage.

If you are engulfed by an object or an individual then you can use amid to describe it. It is also used to describe your position in the middle of something or someone. The origin of this word is credited to the old form of the English Language. The root of this word can be traced back to the word “on midden”.

A Layman can use Amid in a sentence often. This means that this word can be used for a to and fro conversation. Country-wise it is most significant in the united states of America or between individuals who speak that dialect.

Different types of examples related to the usage of this word are

  1. He was among the future stars in his junior club league matches.
  2. Rajesh was amid the fear of missing out on the best days of his life.
  3. The opener is amid the clean utensils of the kitchen.
  4. Does she know that her friend is amid the company of some great friends?

What is Amidst?

Amidst carries, nearly the same meaning as its counterpart- amid. Which is to be surrounded by an object or individual or to be located in the middle. Much of the difference lies in the style or form of its usage. It can be described as the word the current generation made famous.

Amidst is frequently used in countries like the United Kingdom or England. This means that it is briefly used by speakers of the same dialect that is British English. The word is perfect for use in formal conversations or exchanges of dialogue. Therefore it has a very typical form of use.

Amidst is also the word of artistic sense. This implies that this word is used for intellectual discourse with artists or creative individuals. However, this also makes its usage less frequent among the large population of the planet. Therefore amidst can also be described as a specific usage word by nature.

Different types of examples related to this word are as follows

  1. The rookie player sat amidst the professionals of the game.
  2. Never sit amidst the occupied seats or it will hinder your theatrical experience.
  3. She stood amidst the familiar types of instruments, figuring out how to start.
  4. Nearly half a mile apart, amidst the roses, lies the beautiful scenery.

Difference Between Amid and Amidst

  1. Amid is operated by speakers of American English whereas speakers of British English operate Amidst.
  2. Amid is used for common conversation between laymen whereas Amidst is used for a stylistic conversation between artists.
  3. Amid was extremely popular in the middle ages of poets while Amidst is widely used in the current age.
  4. Amid is used in a formal sense of meaning whereas Amidst is used during an informal sense of meaning.
  5. Amid is a part of modern English Language Words whereas Amidst is a part of old English Language words.

Comparison Between Amid and Amidst

Parameters of comparisonAmidAmidst
PeriodAmid comes under the notion of modern words of English LanguageAmidst comes under the notion of old words of English Language
SituationAmid is used mostly informal in useAmidst is mostly formal in use
CountryAmid is used widely in the United States of AmericaAmidst is used widely in the United Kingdom
NatureAmid can be implemented in common conversationsAmidst can be implemented in an artistic conversation
Widespread Amid was famously used in the golden age of poetsAmidst is famously used in the current age

References

  1. https://www.jbe-platform.com/content/books/9789027263995-cilt.343.09hot
  2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-971X.1989.tb00658.x