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Adams Posted 22 years ago
Vocabulary

Among and Amongst...

... is there any difference between the two?

Thanks,
Adam
  

Top answer

I think "amongst" is simply the "old version" of among.

— Pieanne

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19 Answers
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I think "amongst" is simply the "old version" of among.
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More a matter of individual choice, Adam. There is no difference.
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From "http://www.bartleby.com/68/49/349.html":

These two prepositions are interchangeable in meaning, but among is far more frequent in American English; for some, amongst has a rather dusty-genteel quality. It occurs far more often in British English.

(1) The Oxford English Dictionary observ
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Yes, the difference has to do with usage: amongst is older. Another example is: while and whilst.

Keep in touch!
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Thank you all!

Adam
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my friend finds the word amongst realy amusing , why?
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Hi,

Surely this is a question you should ask your friend? I don't even know him or her.

Best wishes, Clive
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SeyfihocaThese two prepositions are interchangeable in meaning, but among is far more frequent in American English; for some, amongst has a rather dusty-genteel quality. It occurs far more often in British English.

confirmed by Garner, Modern American Usage, p. 42
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This is one of those AmE versus BrE things. The Brits hang on to the -st ending for a very small number of words. As pointed out elsewhere, "while" versus "whilst" is another example; as are "amidst" and "unbeknownst." You may find the -st words in Canada and Australia, too.

Siggy
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The 'st' endings do occur in British English but they are mainly reserved for poetic uses. Very few people use them in 'real life' and they sound very affected.
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