amongst
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
From amongs + -t (excrescent), from among + -s (genitive). By surface analysis, among + -st (excrescent). Root among from Old English ongemang, from on (“in”) + gemang (“assemblage, mingling”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /əˈmʌŋst/
Audio (US): (file) - Rhymes: -ʌŋst
Preposition
amongst
- Denotes a mingling or intermixing with distinct or separable objects. See usage note at amidst.
- Janek feels very at ease amongst his friends, but gets incredibly nervous when meeting new people.
- [1591, Ed[mund] Sp[enser], “The Ruines of Time”, in Complaints. Containing Sundrie Small Poemes of the Worlds Vanitie. […], London: […] William Ponsonbie, […], →OCLC, signature C2, verso:
- And novv thee vvorſhip, mongſt that bleſſed throng / Of heauenlie Poets and Heroes ſtrong.]
- a. 1627 (date written), Francis Bacon, “[Baconiana Politico-Moralia. […].] It is my purpoſe to give a true and plain Account, of the Deſigns and Labours of a very great Philoſopher amongſt us; and to offer to the World, in ſome tollerable Method, thoſe Remains of his, which to that end, were put into my Hands.”, in [Thomas Tenison], editor, Baconiana. Or Certain Genuine Remains of Sr. Francis Bacon, […], London: […] J. D. for Richard Chiswell, […], published 1679, →OCLC, page 21:
- 1959 October, Norman Jones, “The Manchester Ship Canal Railway”, in Trains Illustrated, page 488:
- The smart little locomotives, mostly 0-6-0 saddletanks, which are always busy shunting traffic amongst the vast dockside warehouses, belong to the Manchester Ship Canal Railway, a line of considerable importance.
Usage notes
Synonyms
Derived terms
Translations
Used to denote a mingling or intermixing
|