counterpoint
/ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪnt/ noun, verb
Forms counterpoints counterpointing counterpointed
- noun (music) 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.
- noun Any similar contrasting element in a work of art.
- noun An opposite point.
- verb (transitive) To compose or arrange such music.
- verb (transitive) To serve as an opposing point against.
Synonyms
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English [Term?], from Middle French contrepoint, from Medieval Latin contrāpūnctum. Equivalent to counter- + point.
From Old French contrepointe, a corruption of coultepointe, from Latin culcita puncta, i.e. a stitched pillow or cover. See quilt.
Webster’s 1913
- noun An opposite point [Obs.] Sir E. Sandys.
- noun A coverlet; a cover for a bed, often stitched or broken into squares; a counterpane. See 1st Counterpane.
Etymology [Counter- + point.]
Etymology [F. contrepoint; cf. It. contrappunto. Cf. Contrapuntal.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “counterpoint”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details