Definition of Counterpoint

1. Verb. To show differences when compared; be different. "The students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities"

Exact synonyms: Contrast
Generic synonyms: Differ
Specialized synonyms: Counterbalance, Oppose, Conflict, Foil
Derivative terms: Contrast, Contrast, Contrast, Contrastive, Contrastive

2. Noun. A musical form involving the simultaneous sound of two or more melodies.
Generic synonyms: Concerted Music, Polyphonic Music, Polyphony
Examples of category: Inversion
Derivative terms: Contrapuntist

3. Verb. Write in counterpoint. "Bach perfected the art of counterpointing"
Category relationships: Music
Generic synonyms: Compose, Write

Definition of Counterpoint

1. n. An opposite point

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

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

Definition of Counterpoint

1. 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 ¹

2. Noun. any similar contrasting element in a work of art ¹

3. Verb. (transitive) to compose or arrange such music ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Counterpoint

1. [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Counterpoint

counterplays
counterplea
counterplead
counterpleaded
counterpleading
counterpleads
counterpleas
counterplot
counterplots
counterplotted
counterplotter
counterplotters
counterplotting
counterploy
counterploys
counterpoint (current term)
counterpointed
counterpointing
counterpoints
counterpoise
counterpoised
counterpoises
counterpoising
counterpoison
counterpoisons
counterpole
counterpoles
counterpose
counterposed
counterposes

Literary usage of Counterpoint

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Modern Music and Musicians by Louis Charles Elson (1918)
"WHERE and when counterpoint began are matters of conjecture. It is unimportant, however, though the fancy likes to picture a romantic origin for art-forms. ..."

2. Music and Musicians by Albert Lavignac (1903)
"The difference will become still more apparent in DOUBLE counterpoint. This counterpoint at first sight resembles florid counterpoint in two parts and is ..."

3. University Musical Encyclopedia by Louis Charles Elson (1912)
"1 THERE and when counterpoint began are matters * of conjecture. It is unimportant, however, though the fancy likes to picture a romantic origin for ..."

4. Dwight's Journal of Music: A Paper of Art and Literature by John Sullivan Dwight (1877)
"Write an exampl • of equal counterpoint In four parts to the boss given on ... Give an account nf the resource» that may be employed In counterpoint of the ..."

5. Dwight's Journal of Music: A Paper of Art and Literature by John Sullivan Dwight (1880)
"This gradual growth of tonal or modern counterpoint may be said to have begun with ... The time it took tonal counterpoint to attain to Its full growth as ..."

6. The Philosophy of Music: Being the Substance of a Course of Lectures by William Pole (1895)
"counterpoint. IT only remains to say something about counterpoint. This is music written in a series of different parts for voices or instruments, ..."

7. The Philosophy of Music: Being the Substance of a Course of Lectures by William Pole (1879)
"counterpoint. IT only remains to say something about counterpoint. This is music written in a series of different parts for voices or instruments, ..."

8. A Dictionary of Musical Terms: Containing Upwards of 9,000 English, French by Theodore Baker (1895)
"Pertaining to the art or practice of counterpoint. ... One versed in the practice and theory of counterpoint. Contr'ar'co (It.) "Against the bow," ie bowing ..."

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