noun
Uncommon
counterpoint
KOWN-tuh-poynt
Counterpoint (noun) means In music, a melody combined with another to create harmony while each remains distinct. Example: “The fugue is a masterclass in counterpoint.”
noun
1
In music, a melody combined with another to create harmony while each remains distinct.
"The fugue is a masterclass in counterpoint."
2
A contrasting idea or element that balances or complements another.
"Her sharp wit provided a nice counterpoint to his seriousness."
How to use counterpoint
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA contrasting melody in music, or more generally, a contrasting element that offsets something else.
Common pairings
serve as a counterpoint
musical counterpoint
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Word forms
- Plural
- counterpoints
- Third person singular
- counterpoints
- Past tense
- counterpointed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fugue is a masterclass in _____.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin contrāpūnctum, from counter- + point, originally referring to notes set "point against point."
Synonyms
View more →
contrapuntal music
polyphony
Related words
Rhymes for counterpoint
point
joint
anoint
appoint
endpoint
pinpoint
gunpoint
viewpoint
standpoint
disappoint
PowerPoint
checkpoint
See all rhymes for counterpoint →
Frequently asked questions
What does “counterpoint” mean?
The word “counterpoint” means in music, a melody combined with another to create harmony while each remains distinct. In plain terms, a contrasting melody in music, or more generally, a contrasting element that offsets something else.
How do you pronounce “counterpoint”?
“Counterpoint” is pronounced KOWN-tuh-poynt (/ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “counterpoint” in a sentence?
Here is “counterpoint” used in a sentence: “The fugue is a masterclass in counterpoint.”
What is another word for “counterpoint”?
Words with a similar meaning to “counterpoint” include contrapuntal music and polyphony.
What part of speech is “counterpoint”?
“Counterpoint” is a noun.
Where does the word “counterpoint” come from?
The word “counterpoint” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin contrāpūnctum, from counter- + point, originally referring to notes set "point against point.".
Is “counterpoint” a common word?
“Counterpoint” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “counterpoint” have?
“Counterpoint” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in music, a melody combined with another to create harmony while each remains distinct.
