juxtaposition

What does “juxtaposition” mean?

noun.the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.

SAT Usage

this term is often found in literary or artistic passages, highlighting contrasts between characters, themes, or settings. It emphasizes the significance of these contrasts in enhancing meaning or provoking thought, distinguishing it from mere comparison by focusing on the tension and dynamic interplay between the juxtaposed elements.

Common Confusions

Juxtaposition implies a deliberate placement of contrasting elements to highlight differences, while comparison usually suggests a more general examination of similarities and differences without emphasizing the tension between the items.

Example Sentences

• The juxtaposition of wealth and poverty was striking in the city.

• The juxtaposition of comedy and tragedy made the film unsettling.