juxtaposition

American  

[juhk-stuh-puh-zish-uhn] / ˌdʒʌk stə pəˈzɪʃ ən /

noun

1. an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.

2. the state of being close together or side by side.

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Other Word Forms

• juxtapositional adjective

Etymology

Origin of juxtaposition

First recorded in 1655–65; from French, from Latin juxtā “near, bordering, side by side” + French position position; joust ( def. )

Example Sentences

And there are plenty of hybrid creatures, apocalyptic nightmares, strange juxtapositions and drooping abnormalities of the melting-watch variety.

From The Wall Street Journal

The juxtaposition serves as a reminder of the timeless plights of teenagerhood.

From The Wall Street Journal

Further, the juxtaposition of the idealized Norman Rockwellesque holiday feast brought to mind by the image’s Christmas decor and the reality of the restaurant’s affordable but less heartfelt meal introduces a melancholy air.

From The Wall Street Journal

On Zanzibar in Tanzania Mr. Butler-Gallie regards the juxtaposition of faith and profit where a church stands over a cellar that once imprisoned slaves.

From The Wall Street Journal

David Mooney, chief executive of the London Wildlife Trust, which co-produced Wild London, said he was completely "enthralled" by that "juxtaposition".

From BBC