among - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
among Word Meanings
- in the company of others
- surrounded by
- in the midst of
among Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
among Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈmʌŋ/
US
/əˈmʌŋ/
among Word Etymology
Root: 'among' (a merger of 'a-' meaning 'in' and 'mong' meaning 'among'). Historical origin: Old English 'amangan' → English. Memory image: Imagine a group of friends gathered together, where you are happily sitting among them, enjoying their company.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push my chair a little closer, eyes moving around the circle. The cluster of voices becomes a warm, close space, and I feel I am among them. I adjust my posture and turn toward the person speaking, keeping a light smile. When I finally speak, I say what fits the moment, and I stay part of the circle.
Real Context
Among is a preposition used to indicate being in the company of others, or placed in the middle of a group. It emphasizes inclusion within three or more people or things, rather than a pair. You can say "She stood among her classmates" or "The crowd pressed in among the trees." It contrasts with between, which is used for two items. The phrase "among others" is common in formal statements to point to additional people. Memory cue: imagine yourself in a circle of friends, talking and laughing with them.
Usage Reminders
- Do not use among for two people.
- Use among with groups of three or more.
- After among, the noun is part of a group; after between, it usually expresses a relationship or space between two items.
- Common phrase: among others.
- Keep in mind the inclusivity sense when you want to highlight belonging to a group.
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking that between can be used with groups (between is for two items).
- Thinking among always refers to physical space, not inclusion.
- Confusing 'among the crowd' with 'in the crowd' where appropriate.
- Using among with two people when 'between' is correct.
- For 명 'among' after prepositions like outside of the group is incorrect.
Thinking Differences
English tends to treat among as a member-centered inclusion marker in groups; learners often overgeneralize to between or to contexts with two items.
Learning Tips
- Practice using among with three or more items in different contexts.
- Distinguish between among and between by focusing on group inclusion.
- Use among others to introduce additional people.
- Read and listen for collocations like among the crowd and among friends.
- Create memory cues tied to being inside a circle or group.
- Review common expressions regularly.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Which is the correct meaning of the word 'among'?
A.Between two things or persons
B.In the middle of or surrounded by; in the company of
C.At or to a higher degree than others
D.To move from one place to another quickly
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'among' correctly?
A.She put the vase among the table.
B.She felt comfortable among her close friends.
C.He drove among the exit to leave the highway.
D.They argued among the leader's decision.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'among'?
A.between
B.amid
C.beside
D.during
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an opposite of 'among'?
A.between
B.inside
C.outside
D.amid
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word would be used? Choose the scenario where that word fits best.
A.She placed the plate on top of the stack of clean dishes.
B.He stood alone at the edge of the room, away from everyone.
C.She stood in the middle of a group of students cheering for the team.
D.He decided between two similar job offers.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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