counterpoint

coun·ter·point  (kountr-point)

n.

1. Music

a. Melodic material that is added above or below an existing melody.

b. The technique of combining two or more melodic lines in such a way that they establish a harmonic relationship while retaining their linear individuality.

c. A composition or piece that incorporates or consists of contrapuntal writing.

2.

a. A contrasting but parallel element, item, or theme.

b. Use of contrasting elements in a work of art.

tr.v. coun·ter·point·ed, coun·ter·point·ing, coun·ter·points

1. Music To write or arrange (music) in counterpoint.

2. To set in contrast: "The complex, clotted computer talk sadly counterpoints the simplistic nature of the characters" (Rhoda Koenig).

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counterpoint [ˈkaʊntəˌpɔɪnt]

n

1. (Music, other) the technique involving the simultaneous sounding of two or more parts or melodies

2. (Music, other) a melody or part combined with another melody or part See also descant [1]

3. (Music, other) the musical texture resulting from the simultaneous sounding of two or more melodies or parts

(Music, other)

strict counterpoint the application of the rules of counterpoint as an academic exercise

5. a contrasting or interacting element, theme, or item; foil

6. (Literature / Poetry) Prosody the use of a stress or stresses at variance with the regular metrical stress

vb

(tr) to set in contrast Related adjective contrapuntal

[from Old French contrepoint, from contre- counter- + point dot, note in musical notation, that is, an accompaniment set against the notes of a melody]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	counterpoint - a musical form involving the simultaneous sound of two or more melodies concerted music, polyphonic music, polyphony - music arranged in parts for several voices or instruments inversion - (counterpoint) a variation of a melody or part in which ascending intervals are replaced by descending intervals and vice versa
Verb	1.	counterpoint - to show differences when compared; be different; "the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities" contrast differ - be different; "These two tests differ in only one respect" counterbalance, oppose - contrast with equal weight or force conflict - be in conflict; "The two proposals conflict!" foil - enhance by contrast; "In this picture, the figures are foiled against the background"
	2.	counterpoint - write in counterpoint; "Bach perfected the art of counterpointing" music - an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner compose, write - write music; "Beethoven composed nine symphonies"

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counterpoint noun

Related words
adjective contrapuntal

Translations

counterpoint [ˈkaʊntəpɔɪnt]

A. N (Mus, fig) → contrapunto m

B. VT (fig) → poner el contrapunto a