juxtaposition

juxtaposition

6 hours ago 2
Nature

Juxtaposition is the act or instance of placing two or more things side by side, often to compare or contrast them or to create an interesting effect. It highlights differences or similarities by placing elements in close proximity, making certain qualities or contrasts more evident.

Uses and Contexts

  • In literature and rhetoric, juxtaposition is used to emphasize contrasts or to deepen understanding by placing opposing ideas or characters close together.
  • In grammar, it can refer to placing words side by side without a linking conjunction.
  • In mathematics, juxtaposition commonly means placing variables or numbers next to each other to imply multiplication.
  • In logic, juxtaposition can sometimes mistakenly imply a relationship between adjacent items that might not exist.

Examples

  • Literary: Contrasting a shy character with an outgoing one to highlight differences in personality.
  • Visual: Placing dark objects next to light ones to emphasize their contrast.
  • Speech: Using opposing ideas side by side for rhetorical effect.

Juxtaposition often requires the audience to infer meaning or draw connections between the placed elements, making it a powerful tool in communication, art, and design.

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