1
Core meaning
The placement of two things close together, especially to reveal contrast or comparison.
Example
The photograph's juxtaposition of wealth and poverty is deliberate.
juxtaposition
/ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃən/ · juk-stuh-puh-ZISH-unnoun
The placement of two things close together, especially to reveal contrast or comparison.
Use juxtaposition to express this relationship precisely: the placement of two things close together, especially to reveal contrast or comparison.
What juxtaposition Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
By juxtaposition, the two accounts reveal sharply different assumptions.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
The gallery creates a striking juxtaposition between ancient tools and modern devices.
Use juxtaposition Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The photograph's juxtaposition of wealth and poverty is deliberate.
By juxtaposition, the two accounts reveal sharply different assumptions.
The gallery creates a striking juxtaposition between ancient tools and modern devices.
Precision Matters
Juxtaposition overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
juxtaposition
vs.Means the placement of two things close together, especially to reveal contrast or comparison.
in contrast
Means introduce a clear difference from the preceding case, pattern, or claim.
juxtaposition
vs.Means the placement of two things close together, especially to reveal contrast or comparison.
by contrast
Means introduces a clear difference from the preceding case or claim.
juxtaposition
vs.Means the placement of two things close together, especially to reveal contrast or comparison.
analogous
Means similar or comparable in relevant respects, though not necessarily identical.
juxtaposition
vs.Means the placement of two things close together, especially to reveal contrast or comparison.
distinct from
Means clearly separate or different in identity, character, or category.
Test juxtaposition in Context
Placing the two works together exposes a contrast between them.
1
The exhibition's ___ of a war photograph beside a celebratory poster makes their conflicting messages unmistakable.