What does counterpoint mean?

Definitions for counterpoint
ˈkaʊn tərˌpɔɪntcoun·ter·point

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word counterpoint.

Princeton's WordNet

  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"

Wiktionary

  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 Dictionary

  1. Counterpointnoun

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

Wikipedia

  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.

ChatGPT

  1. counterpoint

    Counterpoint is a musical technique involving the combination of two or more melodic lines in a way that establishes a harmonic relationship while retaining their linear individuality. It’s often used to create texture, tension, and resolution in a composition. The individual melodies, known as "voices," interact and complement each other, but can also be played independently. This technique is commonly used in classical, jazz, and various forms of popular music.

Webster Dictionary

  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.]

Wikidata

  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 Dictionary

  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

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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. 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.

  2. 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.

  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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Translations for counterpoint

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"counterpoint." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 May 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/counterpoint>.

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