What does "counterpoint" mean?
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.
Counterpoint
/ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪnt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: 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.
- Grammar: counterpoint is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: polyphony, accent, accentuation, alexandrine.
- Useful contrasts: agree, agreement, assimilate.
- Usage evidence: This music makes heavy use of counterpoint.
How to use "counterpoint"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "counterpoint" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "counterpoint" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "counterpoint" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 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. countable, uncountable
"I noticed […] that when a very cheesy synthesized violin sound plays in counterpoint with a real violin, it can quite convincingly seem as if two violins are playing."
- 2 Obsolete form of counterpane. alt-of, obsolete
- 3 a musical form involving the simultaneous sound of two or more melodies wordnet
- 4 Any similar contrasting element in a work of art. countable, uncountable
"As counterpoints to the glamorous looks of 1980s models such as Chistie Brinkley and Heidi Klum, heroin chic looks such as Kate Moss were thin to the point of anorectic gauntness."
- 5 An opposite point. countable, uncountable
"[…] Priests; who affecting in them selves and their followers a certein Angelical puritie, fell sodainly to the very counterpoint of justifying bestialitie."
Verb
- 1 To compose or arrange such music. transitive
- 2 write in counterpoint wordnet
- 3 To serve as an opposing point against. transitive
"[…] the dominant discourse on theory and method in the study of religions remains stuck on the debate about reductionism, which is in turn bent on representing the debate about theory and method in the study of religions as a choice between an unscientific phenomenology or an unsympathetic positivism (for phenomenology the idea that explanation is always 'bad' is perfectly counterpointed by the idea that religion is always 'good')."
- 4 to show differences when compared; be different wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"This music makes heavy use of counterpoint."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "counterpoint"?
Common synonyms include: polyphony, accent, accentuation, alexandrine, ambrosian chant, amphibrach.
How do you use "counterpoint" in a sentence?
This music makes heavy use of counterpoint.
How do you pronounce "counterpoint"?
Pronounced /ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪnt/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Inherited from Middle English [Term?], from Middle French contrepoint, from Medieval Latin contrāpūnctum. Equivalent to counter- + point.
Etymology 2
From Old French contrepointe, a corruption of coultepointe, from Latin culcita puncta, i.e. a stitched pillow or cover. See quilt.