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| coun·ter·point [ kówntər pòynt ] |
noun (plural coun·ter·points) |
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| Definition: |
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1. sounding together of melodies: in a piece of music, the sounding together of two or more melodic lines each of which displays an individual and differentiated melodic contour and rhythmic profile
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2. melody combined with another: in a piece of music, a melodic line or part that is sung or played at the same time as another
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3. contrasting element: in a work of art, a theme or element that forms a contrast with another
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transitive verb (past and past participle coun·ter·point·ed, present participle coun·ter·point·ing, 3rd person present singular coun·ter·points) |
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| Definition: |
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1. contrast with something: to make an effective contrast with something, especially in a work of art
  Richard's social ease counterpoints his sister's awkwardness.
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2. arrange music in counterpoint: to add one or more melodic lines in counterpoint in a piece of music
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| [15th century. Via French< medieval Latin (cantus) contrapunctus "(song) with notes marked opposite (the melody)"] |
