juxtaposition
juk-stuh-puh-ZISH-un
/ˌdʒʌk.stə.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/
The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Juxtaposition is a deliberate structural choice designed to highlight differences, create irony, or force the reader to make a conceptual connection between two seemingly unrelated things.
The story behind the word. Juxtaposition is a hybrid word coined in French in the 18th century, combining the Latin 'juxta' (meaning 'near' or 'next to') with 'positio' (meaning 'placement', from the root of 'ponere'). It arrived in English as a term for physical placement before becoming a literary favorite.
Word relationships
- contrast: Contrast is the difference itself, while juxtaposition is the physical or structural act of placing things side-by-side to reveal that contrast.
- collocation: Collocation is simply placing words together habitually, without the necessary element of dramatic contrast.
- separation: Separation keeps elements apart, preventing any comparative or contrasting effect.
Commonly confused with
- comparison: Comparison looks for both similarities and differences; juxtaposition specifically forces a dramatic, often ironic contrast by proximity.
Word family
- juxtapose (verb): To place side-by-side for contrast.
Collocations
- startling juxtaposition
- jarring juxtaposition
- deliberate juxtaposition
- juxtaposition of light and dark
Example sentences
- "The juxtaposition of a sleek modern skyscraper next to a crumbling Gothic cathedral created a striking visual contrast." Analyzing visual art
- "Through the juxtaposition of the wealthy merchant's feast and the beggar's starvation, the author highlights social inequality." Critiquing a novel's structure
Memory hook
Think of 'just position'. You are 'just positioning' two totally different things right next to each other to see what happens. Juxtaposition is contrast by proximity.
When not to use
Do not use juxtaposition for simple comparisons where there is no striking contrast or artistic purpose.
Fun facts
- In film editing, juxtaposition is known as the 'Kuleshov Effect'—showing a shot of an actor's blank face followed by a bowl of soup makes viewers think the actor looks hungry, but showing the same face followed by a coffin makes them think he looks sad.
Related words
Also appears in
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