amidst

UK: əˈmɪdst | US: əˈmɪdst

Definition

  1. prep. in the middle of; surrounded by; during

Structure
amid <middle>st <adverbial suffix>
Etymology

amidst = amid<middle> + st<adverbial suffix>

  • amid: From Old English on middan ("in the middle"), later contracted to amid. The root mid relates to "middle" (cf. German Mitte).
  • st: An archaic adverbial suffix (also seen in amongst, whilst), derived from Old English -es or -est, adding a locative or temporal sense.

Etymology Origin:
"Amidst" evolved from Middle English amiddes, blending amid (itself from Old English on middan) with the adverbial suffix -st. The suffix -st was common in Early Modern English but is now largely obsolete, preserved only in a few words like "amongst" and "whilst." The word retains a poetic or formal tone compared to "amid."

Examples

  1. The castle stood amidst rolling green hills.

  2. She found peace amidst the chaos of the city.

  3. The decision was made amidst growing protests.

  4. A single flower bloomed amidst the weeds.

  5. He remained calm amidst the storm.