Among and Amongst...

I think "amongst" is simply the "old version" of among.

More a matter of individual choice, Adam. There is no difference.

From "http://www.bartleby.com/68/49/349.html":

These two prepositions are interchangeable in meaning, but among is far more frequent in American English; for some, amongst has a rather dusty-genteel quality. It occurs far more often in British English.

(1) The Oxford English Dictionary observ

Yes, the difference has to do with usage: amongst is older. Another example is: while and whilst.

Keep in touch!

Thank you all!

Adam

my friend finds the word amongst realy amusing , why?

Hi,

Surely this is a question you should ask your friend? I don't even know him or her.

Best wishes, Clive

SeyfihocaThese two prepositions are interchangeable in meaning, but among is far more frequent in American English; for some, amongst has a rather dusty-genteel quality. It occurs far more often in British English.

confirmed by Garner, Modern American Usage, p. 42

This is one of those AmE versus BrE things. The Brits hang on to the -st ending for a very small number of words. As pointed out elsewhere, "while" versus "whilst" is another example; as are "amidst" and "unbeknownst." You may find the -st words in Canada and Australia, too.

Siggy

The 'st' endings do occur in British English but they are mainly reserved for poetic uses. Very few people use them in 'real life' and they sound very affected.