# 'midst

/ˈmɪdst/ (US) · /mˈɪdst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/midst
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

the middle part of something or the period of time when something is happening. You use it to describe being surrounded by a group of people or being in the middle of a busy situation.

For teachers: the middle or central part of a group, location, or period of time. Often used in prepositional phrases to indicate being surrounded by or deeply involved in an ongoing event.

## Pitfalls

- Not "in the mid of the crowd" but "in the midst of the crowd" — Learners often confuse 'midst' with 'mid' or 'middle'; 'midst' is specifically used for being surrounded by things or events.

## Usage notes

- Almost exclusively used in the prepositional phrase 'in the midst of'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.