A-mĭd' or A-mĭdst', prep.

prep. [Prefix a and mid, midst, O. Eng. a midde, amiddes, A-S. to middes. See MID, MIDST, MIDDLE.] In the midst or middle; surrounded or encompassed by; among. “Unseen amid the throng.” “Amidst the garden.” Milton.

Synonyms—AMIDST, AMONG. These words differ to some extent from each other, as will be seen from their etymology. Amidst denotes in the midst or middle of, and hence surrounded by; as, this work was written amidst many interruptions. Among denotes a mingling or intermixture; as, “He fell among thieves,” “Blessed art thou among women.” Hence, we say, among the moderns, among the ancients, among the thickest of the trees, among these considerations, among the reasons I have to offer; in none of which cases could amidst be used. So, also, we say, they kept on amidst the storm, he was sinking amidst the waves, he persevered amidst many difficulties; in none of which cases could among be used. In like manner, it is said by Milton of the seraph Abdiel, that he was

Faithful found Among the faithless, faithful only he,

because he was then in the mingled mass of the fallen angels, and had been one of their number. But when he decides to leave them, and thus ceases to be of their number, the poet adds,—

From amidst them forth he passed.