What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
juxtapose
Example
The artist chose to juxtapose bright colors with dark ones to create a striking contrast. [juxtapose: verb]
Example
The author juxtaposed the protagonist's optimistic outlook with the bleak reality of the world around him. [juxtaposed: past tense]
compare
Example
Let's compare the features of these two phones to see which one is better. [compare: verb]
Example
The teacher asked us to compare and contrast the themes of two different novels. [compare: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compare is more commonly used than juxtapose in everyday language. Compare is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while juxtapose is less common and is often used in specific fields such as art, literature, or design.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between juxtapose and compare?
Both juxtapose and compare can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, juxtapose may be perceived as more formal due to its association with specific fields such as art or literature.
