1
Core action
Place two or more things side by side so their similarities, differences, or relationship become noticeable.
Example
The exhibition juxtaposes historic maps with satellite images.
juxtapose
/ˌdʒʌkstəˈpəʊz/ · juk-stuh-POHZverb
Place two or more things side by side so their similarities, differences, or relationship become noticeable.
Use juxtapose to express this relationship precisely: place two or more things side by side so their similarities, differences, or relationship become noticeable.
What juxtapose Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The essay juxtaposes two conflicting accounts.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
Directors often juxtapose silence with sudden noise for effect.
Use juxtapose Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The exhibition juxtaposes historic maps with satellite images.
The essay juxtaposes two conflicting accounts.
Directors often juxtapose silence with sudden noise for effect.
Precision Matters
Juxtapose overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
juxtapose
vs.Means place two or more things side by side so their similarities, differences, or relationship become noticeable.
consolidated
Means combined into a single, more coherent, stable, or effective whole.
juxtapose
vs.Means place two or more things side by side so their similarities, differences, or relationship become noticeable.
intertwined
Means twisted together physically or connected so closely that the parts strongly affect one another.
juxtapose
vs.Means place two or more things side by side so their similarities, differences, or relationship become noticeable.
dissimilar
Means not alike in relevant qualities, form, character, or type.
juxtapose
vs.Means place two or more things side by side so their similarities, differences, or relationship become noticeable.
analogous
Means similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
Test juxtapose in Context
The photographs are placed side by side to make differences visible.
1
To highlight changes in the shoreline, the report will ___ an aerial photograph from 1950 with one taken today.