noun

counterpoint

KOWN-tuh-poynt

noun

In music, a melody combined with another to create harmony while each remains distinct.

"The fugue is a masterclass in counterpoint."

A contrasting idea or element that balances or complements another.

"Her sharp wit provided a nice counterpoint to his seriousness."

How to Use Counterpoint

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA contrasting melody in music, or more generally, a contrasting element that offsets something else.

Common pairings

serve as a counterpoint musical counterpoint

counterpointed past tense, counterpoints plural, counterpoints singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

The fugue is a masterclass in _____.

From Medieval Latin contrāpūnctum, from counter- + point, originally referring to notes set "point against point."

contrapuntal music polyphony

point joint anoint appoint pinpoint gunpoint viewpoint standpoint disappoint PowerPoint checkpoint needlepoint

contrapuntal music polyphony