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counterpoint

[ koun-ter-point ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

verb (used with object)

to emphasize or clarify by contrast or juxtaposition.

counterpoint

/ ˈ�첹ʊ�Գ�əˌ��ɔɪ�Գ� /

noun

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

verb

tr to set in contrast

counterpoint

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.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of counterpoint¹

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

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Burnett selected his film’s songs with care, curating a fittingly soulful counterpoint to his critical portrait of inequality — not just in L.A. but in the country as a whole.

From

However, Juan Carlos Hallak, professor of international economics at the University of Buenos Aires, has a counterpoint.

From

He leans slightly toward his longtime comedy partner, who provides a colorful counterpoint in a quilted zip-front jacket covered in a riot of paisley patterns.

From

But Macdonald is after more than just a concert film, letting those musical interludes serve as counterpoint to a larger investigation into Lennon and Ono’s mindset at a moment of deep division within American society.

From

As a counterpoint, when Paul makes the same boast to the hiring manager at the local tannery, she circles “unskilled labor.”

From

counterplot counterpoise

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