amid
UK: əˈmɪd | US: əˈmɪd
Definition
prep. in the middle of; surrounded by
prep. during or throughout the course of
Structure
a <in, on>mid <middle>
Etymology
The word "amid" originates from Old English on middan ("in the middle"), later contracted to amidde and finally simplified to "amid." The prefix a- derives from Old English on (meaning "in" or "on"), while mid comes from Proto-Germanic midja- ("middle"). Over time, the word evolved to signify being surrounded by something or occurring during a process, retaining its core spatial and temporal connotations.
Examples
The house stood amid a field of wildflowers.
She remained calm amid the chaos.
The treaty was signed amid growing tensions.
He found his keys amid the clutter on the desk.
The village lies amid rolling hills.