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 counterpoint rhythm. Prosody.,  syncopation.

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. 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. 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

A counterpoint to that is we’re living in a time when the comedy world is dominated by polarizing performers who are mainstreaming bigotry.

From Salon

The counterpoint is that the good life is prettier.

From Salon

The counterpoint to this is that PBS programming costs American taxpayers $1.60 per year.

From Salon

The show is a smaller, scrappier counterpoint to an exhibition —and accompanying catalog — staged last fall at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Oklahoma City.

From Los Angeles Times

Here, it acts as the bright, buttery counterpoint to the smoky chorizo and creamy beans.

From Salon