amongst

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English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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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

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  • IPA(key): /əˈmʌŋst/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ʌŋst

Preposition

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amongst

  1. 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

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Synonyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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Anagrams

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