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. 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
   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

“He just had me sing some melodies, or create sounds with my voice that might match or complement or counterpoint the words and phrases,” Gershon said.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a guitar riff with a counterpoint bass line.

From Los Angeles Times

On a mild October night, Harris stood before what her campaign estimated was 70,000 cheering supporters at an event they may hope is a counterpoint to that cold, violent January day.

From BBC

“It’s not fair. Now you’ve got to run against someone who appears healthy and youthful and happy, her vigor standing as a stark counterpoint to whatever front butt thing you have going on.”

From Salon

Like the desert to the city, the tags are the comforting counterpoints to his plants, changeless.

From Los Angeles Times