Amidst

Amidst is a preposition that means "in the middle of" or "surrounded by." It suggests being surrounded or enveloped by something else, often something abstract or intangible.

The word is typically used to describe a condition or state rather than a physical location, though it can describe a physical surrounding in certain contexts. It conveys a sense of immersion or absorption within a larger situation or environment.

Amidst is often interchangeable with "among," although "amidst" frequently carries a slightly stronger sense of being enveloped or overwhelmed. Its use tends to lend a more formal or literary tone to writing.

The word is derived from the Middle English amiddes, itself a contraction of on middes (on middle). It shares its root with "amid" and is related to words like "middle" and "mid."