Meaning and usage of the word among in English

The word "among" has a rich history dating back to Old English. It originated from the Old English words "on" (meaning "in" or "upon") and "gemot" (meaning "meeting" or "assembly"). Together, they formed the phrase "on gemot", which meant "at a meeting" or "in the presence of others". Over time, the phrase evolved into "amáng" in Middle English (circa 11th to 15th centuries), which retained its original sense of being in the company of others. The word "among" has since remained largely unchanged, retaining its modern meaning of "in the midst of" or "in the company of". Today, "among" is a commonly used preposition in English, often used to indicate location, relation, or association with a group, as in phrases like "I'm among friends" or "She's among the first to know".