among

a|mong [ ə`mʌŋ ] preposition ***

1. ) included in a larger group

a ) used for saying that someone or something is included in a particular group of people or things:

His family connections helped ensure his position among the elite.

from among (=from a group of): Two representatives were chosen from among the 13 candidates.

b ) used when you are mentioning a particular person or thing in relation to the rest of the group they belong to:

Robert was the only one among them who had ever ridden a horse.

Most important among the country's problems is the lack of health facilities.

c ) among other things used when you are mentioning one or more things out of a larger number:

They discussed, among other things, the future of the oil industry.

Among other things, Larsen was accused of attempting to bribe court officials.

2. ) happening or existing within a group

a ) used for saying what happens within a particular group of people:

The suicide rate among young male prisoners is high.

We want to encourage greater cooperation among the different departments.

b ) used for saying that many people in a group have a particular opinion or feeling:

News of the invasion spread panic among the citizens.

The general opinion among teachers is that small class sizes are important.

c ) among yourselves/ourselves/themselves with each other:

Republicans were arguing among themselves about minor policy issues.

If you can't agree among yourselves what you want, I can't advise you.

3. ) shared between people or things used for stating which people receive parts of something when it is divided up:

share/divide/distribute something among: The money has to be divided among several projects.

4. ) in the middle of other people or things

a ) in a place surrounded by people or things:

Robin's house was hidden among the trees.

Warner was standing among a crowd of admirers.

b ) moving through a place where there are people or things around you:

It was pleasant strolling among the olive trees.

c ) searching through things:

I found Michelle rummaging among the papers in my drawer.

5. ) with people with a group of people of a particular type:

I was never happier than when I was among these familiar faces.

among friends: Oh come on, Arthur, you can speak freely you're among friends.