Among

Definition

Among is a preposition that means in the middle of or surrounded by other things or people, or being part of a group.

Parts of Speech

• Preposition

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈmʌŋ/
• Respelling: uh-MUNG

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈmʌŋ/
• Respelling: uh-MUNG

Etymology

The word "among" originates from Old English "gemang," meaning "in a crowd" or "mixed with." It evolved from "mang," meaning "a mixture," and developed its current form and usage by Middle English.

Derivatives

• Amongst (preposition)
• Amid (preposition)
• Amidst (preposition)
• Aming (obsolete)
• Amongstness (rare noun)

Synonyms

• Amid
• Surrounded by
• In the midst of

Antonyms

• Outside
• Apart
• Away

Usage

The preposition "among" is used to indicate being in the company of others or surrounded by them. For example, "She found herself among friends," or "The letter was hidden among the books."

Related Terms

• Between: Refers to being in the space separating two objects, people, or groups.
• Amid: Surrounded by or in the middle of.
• With: In the company of others or in association with.

Detailed Definitions

Preposition

• In the company or presence of others: Indicates being part of a group or surrounded by multiple entities.
  • Example: "He felt comfortable among his colleagues."
• In the midst of or scattered within: Refers to being mixed or interspersed within a collection of items.
  • Example: "She was looking for her keys among the papers on her desk."