counterpoint

[ koun-ter-point ]

noun

1. Music. the art of combining melodies.
2. Music. the texture resulting from the combining of individual melodic lines.
3. a melody composed to be combined with another melody.
4. Also called coun·ter·point rhythm [koun, -ter-point ri, th, -, uh, m]. Prosody. syncopation ( def 2 ).
5. any element that is juxtaposed and contrasted with another.

verb (used with object)

1. to emphasize or clarify by contrast or juxtaposition.

counterpoint

/ ˈkaʊntəˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. the technique involving the simultaneous sounding of two or more parts or melodies
2. See descant
   a melody or part combined with another melody or part See also descant
3. the musical texture resulting from the simultaneous sounding of two or more melodies or parts
4. strict counterpoint
   strict counterpoint the application of the rules of counterpoint as an academic exercise
5. a contrasting or interacting element, theme, or item; foil
6. prosody the use of a stress or stresses at variance with the regular metrical stress

verb

1. tr to set in contrast

counterpoint

1. The use of two or more melodies at the same time in a piece of music; it was an important part of baroque music. Certain composers, such as Johann Sebastian Bach , have been especially skillful at counterpoint.

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterpoint¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French contrepoint, translation of Medieval Latin ( cantus ) contrāpūnctus literally, (song) pointed or pricked against, referring to notes of an accompaniment written over or under the notes of a plainsong. See counter-, point

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterpoint¹

C15: from Old French contrepoint, from contre- counter- + point dot, note in musical notation, that is, an accompaniment set against the notes of a melody

Example Sentences

Erivo’s exquisite control came across as a sublime counterpoint to the world swirling around her.

From Washington Post

He is a great counterpoint to the emotional connection players formed with Wrex in the previous game, and his lovable goofiness makes it difficult for players to decide where they land on the Genophage.

From Washington Post

Counts’s teacher, Katie Davis, had framed the discussion that day as a lesson in persuasive writing, urging students to provide evidence and counterpoints to Swink’s argument.

From Washington Post

As a counterpoint, he highlights the early microchip industry, where would-be rivals cross-licensed their patents and then got to work actually making things, to everyone’s benefit.

From Washington Post

The mystery of his perspective acts as a counterpoint to the melodrama, and makes the coincidence feels lived-in.

From Washington Post

Reprinted by permission of Soft Skull Press, an imprint of Counterpoint.

From The Daily Beast

A cold salad with French string beans is the perfect counterpoint.

From The Daily Beast

He hopes it will stand as a counterpoint to the divisiveness of extremism.

From The Daily Beast

Yet another counterpoint emerges here in the person of Robert Todd Lincoln, his eldest son, who wants to join the Army.

From The Daily Beast

In some respects, Yale presents a counterpoint, where secret societies are not a huge party scene and keep a low profile.

From The Daily Beast

Both Fontana and Sowinski say that he went through a complete course of counterpoint and composition.

From Project Gutenberg

The warring counterpoint of the two orchestras only added to the lawless excitement of the throng.

From Project Gutenberg

He trained Wilhelmine in music, till thorough-bass, counterpoint, and the rest became to her an easy exercise.

From Project Gutenberg

On his writing desk I found a few passages from his first lesson in counterpoint.

From Project Gutenberg

The earlier obbligato accompaniment gave way to an obbligato style of writing which rested to a greater extent on counterpoint.

From Project Gutenberg