Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊntəpɔɪnt/
noun
-
1 [mass noun] Music the technique of setting, writing, or playing a melody or melodies in conjunction with another, according to fixed rules.
-
[count noun] a melody played in conjunction with another.
-
2a thing that forms a pleasing or notable contrast to something else: the sauce made a piquant counterpoint to the ham
verb
[with object]-
1 Music add counterpoint to (a melody): the orchestra counterpoints the vocal part
-
2emphasize by contrast: the cream walls and maple floors are counterpointed by black accents
-
compensate for: the yarn’s fanciful excesses are counterpointed with some sharp and unsentimental dialogue
