Writers compare constantly, and they need words for every kind of likeness and difference. Some words say two things are alike (akin, kindred) or explain one by another (analogy). Some say they differ: completely (disparate), as opposites (antithesis, dichotomy), where they should match (discrepancy) or just slightly (nuance). Juxtapose is what you do to compare: set things side by side. And a paradox seems to contradict itself.
Key idea
Alike: akin, kindred, analogy. Different: disparate, discrepancy, dichotomy, antithesis, nuance (only slightly). Side by side: juxtapose. Seems impossible but may be true: paradox.
The ten words
Common mistake
A dichotomy is a split into two opposites; using it for any difference stretches it. disparate means fundamentally unlike, not just different.
| word | alike or different? | how much |
|---|---|---|
| akin, kindred | alike | similar or related |
| analogy | alike | a comparison that explains |
| nuance | different | only slightly |
| discrepancy | different | where they should match |
| disparate | different | fundamentally |
| dichotomy | different | split into two opposites |
| antithesis | different | the exact opposite |
To juxtapose things is to put them side by side so that the reader compares them. Writers juxtapose to create contrast: a rich man’s feast next to a beggar at the gate.