rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryjuxtaposeSide-by-side comparison
verb

juxtapose

juk-stuh-POHZ/ˌdʒʌkstəˈpəʊz/

To place side by side for comparison or contrast.

The curator juxtaposes a smooth white vase and a rough dark one.

A museum curator places a smooth white vase directly beside a rough dark vase for comparison, uncluttered table, no labels.
Etymology
juxtaLatinbeside, very near
+poseFrenchplacing, position

If shortened from juxtaposition, the verb combines “beside” with “placing”: bringing things together makes comparison or contrast possible. The source also allows an origin in French juxtaposer.

In context

Wild Confluence8:13
Gentle curves of the natural world juxtapose right angles of industry in the desert up in the mountains right now.
Only the Essential: Pacific Crest Trail Documentary

More examples

  • The designer juxtaposes rough brick and smooth glass.
  • The article juxtaposed the mayor's promises with the actual results.
  • Juxtaposing the two maps makes the coastline's changes easier to see.

Forms

juxtapose · juxtaposes · juxtaposed · juxtaposing

juxtaposition noun — Side-by-side placement for comparison or contrast.

Similar words

compare
Examines similarities and differences without requiring side-by-side placement.
contrast
Emphasizes differences without necessarily placing things side by side.