DictionaryAI

among

preposition
uh-MUNG/əˈmʌŋ/

Often confused with between

4 meanings of among

Practice

  1. 1
    one ofpreposition
    One of a group, as in 'among the best'.

    He is among the few who understand it.

    She is among the best players in the club.

    UsageOften with words like best: among the best means one of the best.

    Note
  2. 2
    widespread inpreposition
    Shared by members of a group, as in 'common among students'.

    The habit is common among students.

    The idea spread among the workers.

    UsageOften after common or popular: common among students.

    Similarwithin

    Note
  3. 3
    preposition
    Used when sharing, dividing or choosing between more than two people or things, or when they deal with each other.

    Grandma's savings were divided among her four grandchildren.

    The kids argued among themselves about who would go first.

    UsageUse it for three or more: share among friends. Between is usual for two.

    Similarbetween

  4. 4
    surrounded bypreposition
    In the middle of a group of people or things, mixed in with them.

    Think of it like a coin dropped into a jar of coins.

    She lived among the villagers for a year.

    The cat hid among the boxes.

    UsageUsually before more than one thing: among the trees, among friends.

    Similaramid, amidst

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Old English 'amang' or 'onġemang', made from 'on' plus a word meaning 'crowd' or 'mixture'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts