Juxtapose: meaning, definitions and examples

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juxtapose

 

[ ˈjʌkstəˌpoʊz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

comparison context

To juxtapose means to place two or more things side by side for the purpose of comparison or contrast. This technique is often used in literature and art to highlight differences or similarities between the objects or ideas being compared. By placing contrasting elements in close proximity, the act of juxtaposition can create a more striking or meaningful effect. It encourages the viewer or reader to consider the relationship between the juxtaposed elements and draw deeper insights from them.

Synonyms

collate, compare, contrast

Examples of usage

  • The artist chose to juxtapose bright colors with dark shadows.
  • In her essay, she juxtaposed the themes of love and loss.
  • The exhibit juxtaposes classical and contemporary works.
  • The film juxtaposes scenes of war and peace.

Translations

Translations of the word "juxtapose" in other languages:

🇵🇹 justapor

🇮🇳 सामना करना

🇩🇪 nebeneinanderstellen

🇮🇩 menempatkan berdampingan

🇺🇦 порівнювати

🇵🇱 zestawienie

🇯🇵 並べる

🇫🇷 juxtaposer

🇪🇸 yuxtaponer

🇹🇷 yan yana koymak

🇰🇷 나란히 놓다

🇸🇦 مقارنة

🇨🇿 porovnávat

🇸🇰 porovnávať

🇨🇳 并列

🇸🇮 postaviti ob bok

🇮🇸 saman setja

🇰🇿 қатар қою

🇬🇪 დააყენოს გვერდიგვერდ

🇦🇿 yan-yana qoymaq

🇲🇽 yuxtaponer

Word origin

The word 'juxtapose' originates from the Latin word 'juxta', meaning 'next to' or 'beside', and the French word 'poser', meaning 'to place'. The term began to gain use in the English language during the early 20th century. It was initially adopted into art and literary criticism as a way to describe the practice of placing contrasting elements together to evoke deeper meanings. The growth of modernism and postmodernism in art and literature further popularized the term, as artists and writers began to explore the relationships and tensions between juxtaposed elements. Over the years, 'juxtapose' has evolved into a versatile term used across various fields, including graphic design, photography, and analytical writing, to emphasize contrasts and comparisons.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,724 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.