Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense, plural counterpoints, present participle counterpointing, past tense, past participle counterpointed
1. countable noun [usually singular]
Something that is a counterpointto something else contrasts with it in a satisfying way.
[journalism]
Paris is just a short train journey away, providing the perfect counterpoint to thepeace and quiet of Reims. [+ to]
2. verb
If one thing counterpoints another, it contrasts with it in a satisfying way.
[journalism]
A good sharp dressing counterpointed the sweetness of the dried fruit. [VERB noun]
3. uncountable noun
In music, counterpoint is a technique in which two or more different tunes are played together at the same time.
...lessons in counterpoint and harmony.
counterpoint in British English
(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 (sense 1)
3.
the musical texture resulting from the simultaneous sounding of two or more melodies or parts
4. strict counterpoint
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
7. (transitive)
to set in contrast
▶ Related adjective: contrapuntal
Word origin
C15: from Old French contrepoint, from contre-counter- + point dot, note in musical notation, that is, an accompaniment set against the notes ofa melody
counterpoint in American English
(ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt)
noun
1.
a.
the technique of combining two or more distinct lines of music that sound simultaneously, esp. with an emphasis on melodic, as opposed to harmonic, progression
b.
this kind of composition
2.
any melody played or sung against a basic melody
3.
a thing set up in contrast or interaction with another
Word origin
ME countrepoint < MFr contrepoint < It contrappunto, lit., pointed against: see counter- & , point noun
Examples of 'counterpoint' in a sentence
counterpoint
It can be atmospheric, but also provide a counterpoint.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This could be a disaster but it might be an inspired visual counterpoint to the music.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
And composers are increasingly drawn to counterpoint his verbal music with their own.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Figure out how to listen without offering your counterpoint right away.
Christianity Today (2000)
These three tunes hit you in perfect counterpoint.
The Times Literary Supplement (2008)
Saracens are an interesting counterpoint too.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The loudest things we hear are seagulls, so it is a perfect counterpoint.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The familial conflict provides a domestic counterpoint to the war in Europe.
The Times Literary Supplement (2008)
Lack of gravitas makes the musical interludes seem glib, rather than an ironic counterpoint to the action.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Signs of life in both manufacturing and exports may help to boost flagging confidence and provide a counterpoint to concerns about the global economy.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Defeat is the one thing that makes victory worth having; it provides the necessary counterpoint to the joy.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
I add fennel to mine, which provides a meaty counterpoint to the velvety potatoes.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
A glossy basil leaf offers an aromatic counterpoint to anything with strawberry, raspberry or orange in it.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
They offer a thought-provoking counterpoint to the antics of our own MPs.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
That she is also lonely and unloved, except by her arthritic mother, is a nice ironic counterpoint.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The orchestra is split in two, with a third block of players in between, providing counterpoint and overlapping musical colour.