What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
amongst
Example
The book was hidden amongst the other books on the shelf. [amongst: preposition]
Example
She felt like she was amongst friends at the party. [amongst: adverb]
amidst
Example
The statue stood amidst the bustling city streets. [amidst: preposition]
Example
Amidst all the chaos, she managed to stay calm. [amidst: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Amidst is more commonly used than amongst in both American and British English, but neither word is commonly used in everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between amongst and amidst?
Amidst is slightly more formal than amongst, and is often used in written or literary contexts. However, both words are considered formal and may not be appropriate for casual conversation.