contrapuntal

[ kon-truh-puhn-tl ]

adjective

, Music.

1. of or relating to counterpoint.
2. composed of two or more relatively independent melodies sounded together.

contrapuntal

/ ˌkɒntrəˈpʌntəl /

adjective

1. music characterized by counterpoint

Derived Forms

• ˌcontraˈpuntally, adverb

Other Words From

• contra·puntal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrapuntal¹

1835–45; < Italian contrappunt ( o ) + -al ¹. See counterpoint

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrapuntal¹

C19: from Italian contrappunto counterpoint + al ¹

Example Sentences

“That’s not a mystery to me,” Mann says of why some of his films take longer to catch on with audiences than others, citing the complex “contrapuntal” ending of “Heat.”

From Los Angeles Times

The chase grows exponentially tenser as Miller begins shifting between close-ups and expansive long shots, the raucous noise and energy of the kidnappers on their hell machines working contrapuntally against the desert’s stillness.

From New York Times

“This repertoire — with its contrapuntal extravaganzas, its antiphonal balances, its espousal of instruments that chuff and wheeze and speak directly to a microphone — was made for stereo,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

What holds the movie together, for all its jittery syntax and rug-pulling midpoint twist, is the furiously combative, contrapuntal energy that courses between Silva and Firstman.

From Los Angeles Times

There, Barbie is astonished to discover sexism, and Ken is delighted to discover patriarchy, contrapuntal revelations that generate further comedy and something like enlightenment.

From New York Times