counterpoint

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​point ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpȯint 

1

a

: a complementing or contrasting item : opposite

b

: use of contrast or interplay of elements in a work of art (such as a drama)

2

a

: one or more independent melodies added above or below a given melody

b

: the combination of two or more independent melodies into a single harmonic texture in which each retains its linear character : polyphony

counterpoint

2 of 2

verb

counterpointed; counterpointing; counterpoints

transitive verb

1

: to set off or emphasize by juxtaposition : set in contrast

counterpoints the public and the private man

—Tom Bishop

2

: to compose or arrange in counterpoint

Examples of counterpoint in a Sentence

Noun

The guitar and bass are played in counterpoint.

The dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy chicken.

The painting is a pleasant counterpoint to his earlier works.

The music works in counterpoint to the images on the screen.

Verb

The violence of the movie is counterpointed by ironic humor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Soften the Landings Even a small lawn in a city yard can make a big difference, offering a green counterpoint to hardscaping elsewhere. —Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2024

Conversely, the large glass surfaces provide a contemporary counterpoint to the weight and solidity of the stone. —New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2024

Verb

Artful costuming design is the goth-ish palette of pollution — blacks, bleak grays, gritty silvers counterpointed only by pristine white. —Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 23 July 2024

The design inspiration will be European throughout the home, featuring a paint palette that is white and shades of gray that are visually counterpointed with wood accents and matte black pulls, door handles, and shower and bath fixtures. —John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French contrepoint, from Medieval Latin contrapunctus, from Latin contra- counter- + Medieval Latin punctus musical note, melody, from Latin, act of pricking, from pungere to prick — more at pungent

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing counterpoint

• triple counterpoint

Kids Definition

counterpoint

noun

coun·​ter·​point

ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌpȯint

1

: one or more independent melodies added as accompaniment to a principal melody

2

: combination of two or more melodies into a harmony in which each keeps its own identity