Midst Meaning and Definition
Midst
Pronunciation
/mɪdˈst/
Part of Speech
Preposition
Definition
A position or point of reference between two extremes, edges, or surfaces; the central or intermediate part of something.
Examples
- The stage was set in the midst of the forest.
- The company’s headquarters is located in the midst of the city.
- The book is divided into three sections, with the midst being the most intense part.
- The team worked tirelessly towards the goal, with the midst being the most crucial time.
Synonyms
- Between
- Around
- Centre
Antonyms
- Edge
- Boundary
Additional Information
The term “midst” is often used to describe a position or point of reference between two extremes, edges, or surfaces. It can be used in various contexts, including geography, literature, and everyday conversation. In some cases, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a central or intermediate part of something, such as an idea or a concept.
Despite its widespread use, “midst” is not as common as other prepositions, and its usage can vary depending on the dialect or region.
Etymology
The word “midst” originates from Old English “mīd” meaning “middle” and “st” meaning “position” or “place”. It has been used in the English language since the 10th century and has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning and usage.
Usage Notes
When using “midst”, it’s essential to consider the context and the meaning you want to convey. In some cases, “midst” can be used interchangeably with other prepositions, such as “between” or “among”. However, “midst” tends to convey a sense of centrality or proximity to a central point.
Cultural References
“Midst” has been used in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, in William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Hamlet”, the protagonist says “I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw” to describe being in the midst of a mental breakdown.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
One common idiomatic expression that includes the word “midst” is “in the thick of it”, which means to be in the middle of a difficult or challenging situation.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related in meaning or usage to “midst” include “centre”, “middle”, “edge”, “boundary”, and “among”.
Collocations
Common word combinations with the term “midst” include “in the midst of”, “at the midst of”, and “beyond the midst of”.
Frequency of Use
“Midst” is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, ranking among the bottom 10% of used words in English language corpora.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “midst” include “midle”, “mist”, and “myst”.