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JUXTAPOSE

j-u-x-t-a-p-o-s-e

Verb
Advanced Level
9 Letters

Quick Definition

JUXTAPOSE means to place two or more things side by side, especially for comparison or contrast, often to highlight their differences or create an effect.

Scrabble Points

25

Points in Scrabble

Base tile values • No multipliers applied

Rhyming Words

propose
compose
suppose
dispose
expose

Definition & Meaning

To JUXTAPOSE is to place different elements side by side or in close proximity, particularly to highlight contrasts, create comparisons, or produce artistic effects. This technique is fundamental in art, literature, film, and critical thinking. Juxtaposition creates meaning through proximity. By placing contrasting elements together - light and dark, old and new, rich and poor - artists and thinkers reveal truths that might otherwise remain hidden. The power lies not in the individual elements but in their relationship.Applications across disciplines:

  • Visual arts: Contrasting colors, textures, or subjects
  • Literature: Opposing characters, themes, or settings
  • Film: Montage editing to create meaning
  • Architecture: Modern buildings beside historical structures
  • Etymology & Origin

    The word juxtapose is a back-formation from "juxtaposition," which entered English in the 1660s. The original term combines: Latin juxta = "beside, near, close to" + Latin positio = "position, placement" The verb "juxtapose" emerged later, around 1851, created by removing the suffix from juxtaposition. This reverse etymology (creating a verb from a noun) is relatively unusual in English. The concept has ancient roots in rhetoric and art, but the specific terminology emerged during the Renaissance when formal artistic principles were being codified.

    Common Phrases & Collocations

    Frequent Combinations

    • juxtapose against

      Place in contrast with

    • cleverly juxtaposed

      Skillfully contrasted

    • juxtapose images

      Place pictures side by side

    • juxtapose ideas

      Compare contrasting concepts

    Did You Know?

    Eisenstein's film theory of montage is based entirely on juxtaposition principles

    The Eiffel Tower was initially hated for juxtaposing iron modernity with Parisian classicism

    In Scrabble, JUXTAPOSE uses both J (8 points) and X (8 points) for high scoring

    Shakespeare frequently juxtaposed comic scenes with tragic ones for emotional effect

    Usage Examples

    "The photographer juxtaposed images of poverty and wealth to comment on inequality."

    "The museum juxtaposes ancient artifacts with contemporary art installations."

    Word Forms & Variations

    Present

    juxtapose, juxtaposes

    Past

    juxtaposed

    Gerund

    juxtaposing

    Noun

    juxtaposition

    Adjective

    juxtapositional

    Similar Words

    Words by Point Value

    Similar length and difficulty words

    BUZZWORD
    32 pts
    PUZZLED
    28 pts
    MAXIMIZE
    28 pts
    JUKEBOX
    27 pts
    OXIDIZE
    24 pts
    COMPLEX
    20 pts
    AMAZING
    19 pts
    EXAMPLE
    18 pts

    Letter Analysis

    Letter Distribution

    J (8 pts)
    1x
    U (1 pts)
    1x
    X (8 pts)
    1x
    T (1 pts)
    1x
    A (1 pts)
    1x
    P (3 pts)
    1x
    O (1 pts)
    1x
    S (1 pts)
    1x
    E (1 pts)
    1x

    Total base points: 25 (Scrabble)

    Vowels: 4 | Consonants: 5

    Word Game Strategy

    JUXTAPOSE offers excellent Scrabble opportunities: - Contains both J (8) and X (8) for 16 points in premium letters alone - 9 letters means potential bingo if you have 8 tiles - Can build from smaller words: POSE, TAX, JOT - X placement on triple letter scores is key - Often unexpected play that catches opponents off-guard

    Cultural Impact & Modern Usage

    Juxtaposition is central to modern art and thought. From Dadaist collages to social media memes, the technique of meaningful placement shapes how we create and interpret meaning in the digital age.

    Common Mistakes & Confusions

    juxtapose withjuxtapose

    The word itself means "place with"

    juxtaposition as verbjuxtapose

    Use juxtapose for verb form

    juxtoposejuxtapose

    Include the A after T

    Alternative Plays

    Explore anagrams and letter combinations from JUXTAPOSE

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