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Appose Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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appose

[əˈpoʊz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to place against

To appose means to place or put something against or in opposition to something else. It is often used in formal or literary contexts.

Synonyms

contrast, counter, oppose.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to appose his views on the subject.
  • The architect will appose the new design to the old structure.
  • We can appose these two concepts to see the differences.
  • The book apposes the traditional methods with modern techniques.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • 'Appose' is often used in grammar to describe phrases that provide additional information, like appositives.
  • It helps clarify meaning by directly linking words or phrases, enhancing understanding in writing.
  • In sentence structure, apposition can add richness by providing context or detail to a noun.

Art and Culture

  • Artists use the concept of apposition when arranging elements in a composition to create balance and contrast.
  • In literature, juxtaposition, similar to apposition, highlights differences between characters or themes to deepen narrative meaning.
  • Fashion design often uses apposition by placing differing textures and colors next to each other to create visual interest.

Education

  • Teachers often use apposition as a tool to explain complex ideas by contrasting them with simpler examples.
  • In educational settings, comparing historical events through apposition can reveal patterns and differences for better student understanding.
  • In math, apposition helps in showing the relationship between numbers or variables by placing them side by side for easy comparison.

Science

  • The concept of apposition is used in biological classification where organisms are grouped side by side based on similarities.
  • In zoology, the term describes the structure of certain animal appendages that are positioned adjacent to each other for functionality.
  • In behavioral science, comparing different theories side by side can help in evaluating their effectiveness and application.

Origin of 'appose'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'appositus', which means 'put next to'.
  • The prefix 'ap-' suggests movement towards or addition, while '-pose' relates to placing.
  • This verb has been part of the English lexicon since the early 19th century, showing a use in formal contexts.

The word 'appose' comes from the Latin 'appōnere', which means 'to place near' or 'to put in proximity.' It is formed from the prefix 'ad-', meaning 'to' or 'toward', and 'ponere', meaning 'to place' or 'to put'. The term started to appear in the English language in the late 15th century, primarily in legal or philosophical contexts, reflecting a sense of positioning or juxtaposing ideas or objects. Over time, it has retained its formal connotation and is often used in more elevated discussions or writing to convey the action of placing something in opposition or alongside something else for comparison.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,295, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.