Juxtapose
/ˈdʒʌkstəˌpoʊz/
verbC1
Definition
Juxtapose means putting two or more things close together so you can see how they are different or similar. People often use this word when talking about art, ideas, or objects that look or feel different but are shown next to each other to make a point or create an effect.
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See It in Action
To place things side by side for comparison or contrast
- •The artist juxtaposed bright colors with dark shadows to create drama.
- •The film juxtaposes scenes of wealth and poverty to make a strong statement.
- •The writer juxtaposed old traditions with new ideas in her story.
To show two different ideas or images close together to create meaning
- •The advertisement juxtaposed images of nature and technology.
- •The photographer juxtaposed old and new buildings in the city.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "juxtapose" like "put next to," but with a special reason: to compare or show differences clearly.
- ✓Picture two very different paintings hanging side by side in a gallery, so you notice how one is bright and happy and the other is dark and sad.
- ✓It's the feeling when you see two different things together and your brain tries to understand their connection or contrast.
- ✓Sounds like "JUX-ta-pose" → imagine someone posing two objects next to each other like models on a stage.
- ✓In stories or movies, characters with opposite personalities are often shown together to highlight their differences.
- ✓NOT like "mix" (which blends things together), "juxtapose" keeps things separate but close to compare.
- ✓NOT like "combine" (which joins things into one), "juxtapose" keeps things side by side without changing them.
Try Other Words
- •Place side by side: to put things next to each other (Use when explaining simple physical placement without special purpose)
- •Compare: to look at similarities and differences (Use when focusing on the idea of examining differences or similarities, not just placement)
- •Contrast: to show differences clearly (Use when the main goal is to show how things are different)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "juxta-" (Latin prefix meaning "next to") + "pose" (to place or put)
- •Etymology: From Latin "juxta" meaning "near" + English "pose" meaning "to place"
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 19th century to describe placing things close together for comparison
- •Modern usage: Common in art, literature, and discussions about ideas or images to describe side-by-side placement for effect or comparison
Reflect & Connect
•How can juxtaposing two very different things help people understand new ideas better?
•Can you think of a time when seeing two opposite things side by side changed your opinion or feelings about them?
Fill in the blanks
1.The artist decided to juxtapose bright colors ___ dark shadows to create a strong visual effect.
2.When a writer juxtaposes old traditions ___ new ideas, it helps the reader see the differences clearly.
3.Juxtapose is different from mix because it keeps things ___ but close together.
4.The movie juxtaposed scenes of happiness ___ sadness to make the story more powerful.
5.Photographers often juxtapose old buildings ___ modern skyscrapers to show change in a city.
6.When you juxtapose two ideas, you usually want to ___ their differences or similarities.
7.Juxtapose often involves placing things side by side ___ changing them into something new.