juxtaposes

Juxtapose is a verb meaning to place different things side by side, typically for comparison, contrast, or thematic effect. By bringing elements into close proximity, juxtaposition highlights relationships, tensions, or unexpected connections that might not be evident when considered separately. The form juxtaposes is the third-person singular present tense (she juxtaposes, the design juxtaposes two styles).

Etymology and usage

The word derives from the French juxtaposer, from juxta meaning near (Latin iuxta) and poser meaning to place. In scholarship, authors commonly use juxtaposition to describe how two or more elements are arranged in relation to each other to reveal contrast or comparison. Juxtapose can be applied across disciplines, including literature, film, music, and visual arts.

Contexts and examples

In literature and film, writers and directors juxtapose settings, characters, or imagery to illuminate themes or to signal shifts in tone. For example, a novel might juxtapose a character’s carefree youth with later hardship, underscoring a transformation. In visual arts and design, juxtaposition combines contrasting colors, textures, or forms to create emphasis or visual tension. A poster might juxtapose sleek modern typography with rustic imagery to evoke a dialogue between eras.

Usage notes

Juxtapose is transitive and typically takes two elements (A juxtaposed with B, or A juxtaposes B). The related noun is juxtaposition, referring to the act or result of placing items side by side. The technique is common in critical writing, analysis, and creative description, employed to reveal contrasts, parallels, or thematic resonances without explicit explanation.