juxtaposition
|jux-ta-po-si-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/
placed side by side (for comparison/contrast)
Etymology
'juxtaposition' originates from Latin elements and later French/Neo-Latin formation: from Latin 'juxta' meaning 'near' + Late Latin/Latin 'positio' (from 'ponere', 'to place').
'juxta' (Latin, 'near') combined with forms of 'positio'/'posit-' (Latin, 'placement') in Neo-Latin and French (e.g., French 'juxtaposer') and was adopted into English as 'juxtapose' and then 'juxtaposition'.
Initially it conveyed the basic sense of 'placing things near to each other'; over time it developed the specialized meaning of placing items side by side for comparison or contrast.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or instance of placing two or more things side by side, especially in order to compare or contrast them.
The juxtaposition of the modern sculpture and the ancient building highlighted their stylistic differences.
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Noun 2
the state of being placed close together or side by side (often implying contrast or unexpected combination).
The film's juxtaposition of humor and tragedy gave it a unique emotional impact.
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Last updated: 2025/10/21 20:41