among

[ uh-muhng ]

preposition

1. in, into, or through the midst of; in association or connection with; surrounded by:

   He was among friends.

2. in the midst of, so as to influence:

   missionary work among the local people.

3. with a share for each of:

   Divide the cigars among you.

4. in the number, class, or group of; of or out of:

   That is among the things we must do.

5. by all or with the whole of; by most or with many of:

   popular among the people.

6. by the joint or reciprocal action of:

   Settle it among yourselves.

7. each with the other; mutually:

   They quarreled among themselves.

8. familiar to or characteristic of:

   a proverb among the Spanish.

among

/ əˈmʌŋ /

preposition

1. in the midst of

   he lived among the Indians

2. to each of

   divide the reward among yourselves

3. in the group, class, or number of

   ranked among the greatest writers

4. taken out of (a group)

   he is only one among many

5. with one another within a group; by the joint action of

   decide it among yourselves

   a lot of gossip among the women employees

Usage

See between

Confusables Note

See between.

Word History and Origins

Origin of among¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, Old English amang, onmang for on gemang, on gemonge (dative singular of gemong “crowd,” akin to mengan “to mix”) “in (the) group (of)”; akin to mingle

Word History and Origins

Origin of among¹

Old English amang, contracted from on gemang in the group of, from on + gemang crowd; see mingle , mongrel

Example Sentences

He is widely considered among the least popular members of Congress.

From Los Angeles Times

The suicide of a young man "cancelled" by his peers at university has prompted a coroner to write to the government warning about "self-policing" among some students.

From BBC

"That review identified evidence of a concerning practice of social ostracism among students, often referred to as a cancel culture," the coroner said.

From BBC

Among other achievements, Jarmond helped the Bruins land a new apparel contract with Jordan Brand and Nike after Under Armour abandoned its commitment to a record-setting deal with the school and has positioned UCLA’s 25 varsity sports to compete in the evolving name, image and likeness space with several initiatives.

From Los Angeles Times

At the time, Rios and Rodriguez were among hundreds of residents who opposed an ordinance that would allow cannabis retailers to operate in the city.

From Los Angeles Times