juxtaposition
juxtaposition
Pronunciation
Here's the IPA phonetic spelling for "juxtaposition" along with a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
juxtaposition (UK and US): /ˌd͡ʒʌk.stə.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/
Breakdown by syllable:
jux- (ˌd͡ʒʌk)
/ˌ/: alveolar flap (short pause or hesitation sound)
/d͡ʒ/: voiced palatal affricate (similar to "j" in "jump")
/ʌ/: short open back rounded vowel (like the "u" in "but")
/k/: voiceless velar plosive (like the "k" in "kite")
ta- (stə)
/st/: voiceless alveolar fricative (like the "s" in "sip")
/ə/: schwa (short, central unstressed vowel sound)
po- (pə)
/p/: voiceless bilabial plosive (like the "p" in "pie")
/ə/: schwa (short, central unstressed vowel sound)
si- (zɪ)
/z/: voiced alveolar fricative (like the "s" in "sip")
/ɪ/: near-close near-front unrounded vowel (like the "i" in "sit")
tion (ʃən)
/ʃ/: voiceless postalveolar fricative (like the "sh" in "ship")
/ən/: nasal vowel (combination of "uh" and "n")
Word Form Variations
The main word form variations for "juxtaposition" are:
Singular: juxtaposition (the base form you'd typically use)
Plural: juxtapositions (simply adding an "s" to the end)
There are no verb forms or other derivations commonly used for "juxtaposition." It functions primarily as a noun.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
(Noun)
Definition 1: The act of placing two or more things close together, especially to compare or contrast them.
Synonyms: comparison, contrast, opposition, counterpoint, foil
Antonyms: separation, unification, similarity, alignment
Definition 2: The state of being placed close together, often highlighting differences or creating an interesting effect.
Synonyms: placement, positioning, arrangement, proximity, contiguity
Antonyms: separation, distance, remoteness, isolation
Examples of Use
Literature:
Charles Dickens's "A Tale of Two Cities" famously opens with: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." (Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities) Here, Dickens uses juxtaposition to create a sense of paradox and highlight the contradictory nature of the era.
Newspapers:
A headline might read: "Luxury High-Rise Opens Next to Homeless Shelter" ( hypothetical news headline). This juxtaposition emphasises the social inequalities present in a city.
Online Publications:
A blog post on fashion trends might discuss: "The Juxtaposition of Bold Colors and Classic Silhouettes" (hypothetical blog title). This use highlights the contrasting elements of a particular style.
Entertainment Mediums:
In a movie, a scene might depict: A wealthy family living in a mansion celebrating a lavish party, followed by a cut to a family struggling to put food on the table in a cramped apartment. This visual juxtaposition emphasises the film's theme of social class disparity.
A video game might feature: A peaceful meadow teeming with life placed right next to a dark, desolate wasteland. This juxtaposition creates a sense of wonder and contrast within the game world.
Public Discourse:
Someone might argue: "The juxtaposition of environmental regulations and economic growth creates a difficult policy decision." This use emphasises the conflicting priorities of different approaches.
General Conversation:
Two friends might discuss a movie, saying: "I loved the juxtaposition of humour and suspense in that scene." This use highlights the writer's creative approach to storytelling.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Juxtaposition
While there aren't many quotes that directly use the word "juxtaposition," the concept itself features prominently in many famous sayings. Here are ten quotes that showcase juxtaposition:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities) - This opening line uses contrasting elements to depict the paradoxical nature of the historical period.
"War is sweet to those who have not experienced it." (Desiderius Erasmus) - Juxtaposes the romanticised notion of war with the harsh reality.
"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." (John F. Kennedy) - Creates a contrast between self-interest and national service.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." (Edmund Burke) - Juxtaposes inaction with the potential victory of evil.
"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off." (Gloria Steinem) - Plays on the contrasting emotions of enlightenment and discomfort.
"You can't have your cake and eat it too." (Proverb) - Highlights the incompatibility of two desirable options.
"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." (Theodore Roosevelt) - Juxtaposes diplomacy with strength for effective leadership.
"The child is father of the man." (William Wordsworth) - Creates a connection between childhood experiences and adult character.
"Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul..." (Emily Dickinson) - Compares hope to a physical object with contrasting emotions.
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder." (Proverb) - Highlights the contrast between physical distance and emotional connection.
Etymology
The word "juxtaposition" is like a mashup of two older words that mean different things.
The first part, "juxta," comes from the Latin word "iuxta" which means "near" or "close together."
The second part, "position," comes from the French word "position" (which itself comes from Latin) and means "placement" or "arrangement."
So, literally, "juxtaposition" means putting things close together.
The word itself is pretty new. The first time we saw it being used in writing was in the 1660s by a clergyman named Joseph Glanvill. Back then, it just meant placing things physically side-by-side.
Over time, the meaning expanded to include the way these things being close together can create an effect, often by highlighting their differences or creating something interesting. So, it's not just about physical closeness, but the impact of that closeness.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Juxtaposition
While there aren't common phrases that directly include "juxtaposition," several idioms rely on the concept itself. Here are some examples:
High noon and midnight: This phrase highlights a stark contrast, similar to how juxtaposition emphasises opposing ideas.
Oil and water: These elements famously don't mix, just like things being juxtaposed often have clashing qualities.
Apples and oranges: This idiom emphasises the pointlessness of comparing completely different things, similar to how juxtaposition can highlight contrasting ideas that aren't really comparable.
Two sides of the same coin: This idiom acknowledges the existence of opposing but interconnected aspects, similar to how juxtaposition can show both sides of an issue.
Beauty and the beast: This classic pairing showcases the contrasting elements of beauty and ugliness, which can be a powerful use of juxtaposition.
Posts Related to Juxtaposition
Source Information
Definition of juxtaposition from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
