Meaning & use
juxtapose
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Meaning
verbtransitive
To put two things together, especially to show how different or similar they are.
Grammar: Takes an object: juxtapose two images. Often used with 'with' to name the second thing.
Patterns
- juxtapose something with something
- juxtapose two things
The exhibition juxtaposes modern paintings with classical sculptures.
In her essay, she juxtaposes the lives of the rich and the poor.
The film juxtaposes scenes of war with quiet family moments.
Word forms
| third person singular | juxtaposes |
|---|---|
| past tense | juxtaposed |
| past participle | juxtaposed |
| -ing form | juxtaposing |
Common combinations
- juxtapose A with B
- The artist juxtaposes light with darkness.
- juxtapose images
- The magazine juxtaposes images of wealth and poverty.
- juxtapose the old and the new
- The building juxtaposes the old and the new in a striking way.
Synonyms and how they differ
- contrast
- To compare things to show differences; 'juxtapose' emphasizes placing them side by side, often visually.
- compare
- A general word for examining similarities and differences; 'juxtapose' is more specific and formal, often used in art and writing.
Opposites
Word family
- juxtaposition noun
- The act of placing things side by side, often for contrast.
Commonly confused: juxtapose or juxtaposition?
juxtapose vs juxtaposition
The noun form; do not use it as a verb. Say 'juxtapose two things,' not 'juxtaposition two things.'
Practice
The photographer often _____ her portraits with images of city streets.
Choose one answer.
The subject 'she' is third person singular, so the verb takes -s: 'juxtaposes.' 'Juxtapose' is the base form, 'juxtaposing' is the -ing form, and 'juxtaposition' is a noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “juxtapose”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.