Definitions for counterpoint
ˈkaʊn tərˌpɔɪntcoun·ter·point

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:2.5 / 4 votes

1. counterpointverb

   a musical form involving the simultaneous sound of two or more melodies

2. contrast, counterpointverb

   to show differences when compared; be different

   "the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities"

3. counterpointverb

   write in counterpoint

   "Bach perfected the art of counterpointing"

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. counterpointnoun

   a melody added to an existing one, especially one added to provide harmony whilst each retains its simultaneous identity; a composition consisting of such contrapuntal melodies

2. counterpointnoun

   any similar contrasting element in a work of art

3. counterpointverb

   to compose or arrange such music

Samuel Johnson's DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Counterpointnoun

   A coverlet woven in squares, commonly spoken counterpain. See Counterpane.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Counterpoint

   In music, counterpoint is the relationship between two or more musical lines (or voices) which are harmonically interdependent yet independent in rhythm and melodic contour. It has been most commonly identified in the European classical tradition, strongly developing during the Renaissance and in much of the common practice period, especially in the Baroque period. The term originates from the Latin punctus contra punctum meaning "point against point", i.e. "note against note". In Western pedagogy, counterpoint is taught through a system of species (see below). There are several different forms of counterpoint, including imitative counterpoint and free counterpoint. Imitative counterpoint involves the repetition of a main melodic idea across different vocal parts, with or without variation. Compositions written in free counterpoint often incorporate non-traditional harmonies and chords, chromaticism and dissonance.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:1.0 / 1 vote

1. Counterpointnoun

   an opposite point

2. Counterpointnoun

   the setting of note against note in harmony; the adding of one or more parts to a given canto fermo or melody

3. Counterpointnoun

   the art of polyphony, or composite melody, i. e., melody not single, but moving attended by one or more related melodies

4. Counterpointnoun

   music in parts; part writing; harmony; polyphonic music. See Polyphony

5. Counterpointnoun

   a coverlet; a cover for a bed, often stitched or broken into squares; a counterpane. See 1st Counterpane

6. Etymology: [OF. contrepoincte, corruption of earlier counstepointe, countepointe, F. courtepointe, fr. L. culcita cushion, mattress (see Quilt, and cf. Cushion) + puncta, fem. p. p. of pungere to prick (see Point). The word properly meant a stitched quilt, with the colors broken one into another.]

FreebaseRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Counterpoint

   In music, counterpoint is the relationship between voices that are harmonically interdependent, but independent in rhythm and contour. It has been most commonly identified in classical music, developing strongly during the Renaissance and in much of the common practice period, especially in Baroque music. The term originates from the Latin punctus contra punctum meaning "point against point".

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Counterpoint

   kown′tėr-point, n. (mus.) the art of combining melodies: the setting of a harmony of one or more parts to a melody: the art of composition.—adj. Contrapunt′al.—n. Contrapunt′ist. [Fr.,—contre, against, point, a point.]

Matched Categories

1. • Compose
   • Differ
   • Music

How to pronounce counterpoint?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say counterpoint in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of counterpoint in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of counterpoint in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8

Examples of counterpoint in a Sentence

1. Arthur Chioro:

   Any citizen who is even slightly informed can see that in terms of the federal government, (Mandetta) has positioned himself as a counterpoint to the irresponsibility ... of the president, mandetta comes out of this much stronger.

2. Amber Freda:

   It’s visually more interesting than if everything is similar, if you have a square space, I’d do square planters, but then a circular table in the middle so there’s at least one counterpoint.

3. John Jay Chapman:

   The average educated man in America has about as much knowledge of what a political idea is as he has of the principles of counterpoint. Each is a thing used in politics or music which those fellows who practice politics or music manipulate somehow. Show him one and he will deny that it is politics at all. It must be corrupt or he will not recognize it. He has only seen dried figs. He has only thought dried thoughts. A live thought or a real idea is against the rules of his mind.

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