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Juxtaposition: meaning, definitions and examples

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juxtaposition

 

[ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

literary technique

Juxtaposition is the act of placing two or more ideas, themes, characters, or elements side by side for the purpose of comparison or contrast. This technique is often used in literature and art to highlight differences and create an effect that adds depth to the narrative or visual representation.

Synonyms

comparison, contrast, proximity.

Examples of usage

  • The juxtaposition of light and dark adds intensity to the painting.
  • In her novel, the juxtaposition of the protagonist's innocence with the harsh realities of life stands out.
  • The filmmaker used juxtaposition to enhance the emotional impact of the scenes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'juxta,' meaning 'next to,' and 'positio,' which means 'position.'
  • It was first used in English during the 19th century, mainly in art and literary contexts.

Art

  • In art, juxtaposition creates visual contrast, often making an artwork more engaging and thought-provoking.
  • Famous painters like Pablo Picasso employed juxtaposition to challenge viewers' perceptions of form and color.

Literature

  • Authors often use juxtaposition in writing to emphasize differences between characters or themes, enriching the narrative.
  • For example, Charles Dickens used contrasting settings in 'A Tale of Two Cities' to highlight societal disparities.

Psychology

  • Juxtaposition can affect how we perceive information; seeing things side by side can lead us to make quicker judgments.
  • In cognitive psychology, contrasting stimuli can help improve our understanding of particular concepts.

Film

  • Filmmakers often use juxtaposition of scenes to create tension or highlight thematic contrasts, enhancing storytelling.
  • The technique is visible in movies like 'Fight Club,' where unexpected contrasts help convey deeper messages.

Translations

Translations of the word "juxtaposition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 juxtaposição

🇮🇳 जुड़ाव

🇩🇪 Juxtaposition

🇮🇩 juxtaposition

🇺🇦 юxtapozіція

🇵🇱 juxtapozycja

🇯🇵 対置 (たいち)

🇫🇷 juxtaposition

🇪🇸 yuxtaposition

🇹🇷 yan yana koyma

🇰🇷 병렬 (byeongnyeol)

🇸🇦 التجاور

🇨🇿 juxtapozice

🇸🇰 juxtapozícia

🇨🇳 并列 (bìngliè)

🇸🇮 juxtapozicija

🇮🇸 samansetning

🇰🇿 жақын орналасу

🇬🇪 ჯუქსტაპოზიცია

🇦🇿 juxtapozisiya

🇲🇽 yuxtaposición

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,192, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.