counterpoint
counterpoint — noun
1. a compositional technique in music that weaves several distinct melodic lines to
a compositional technique in music that weaves several distinct melodic lines together, allowing each line to remain separate while the whole piece sounds pleasing
In Bach's fugues, the counterpoint between soprano and bass lines creates a rich, layered sound.
counterpoint between X and Y — shows the preposition pattern
The music teacher explained that counterpoint requires each melody to be interesting on its own.
Learning to write counterpoint helped Yan understand how different vocal parts can work together.
Kwame listened as violin and cello played in counterpoint, weaving two tunes into one piece.
Reuben studied sixteenth-century counterpoint before composing his first string quartet.
- polyphony
the broader term for music with multiple simultaneous voices; counterpoint is the technique that creates polyphony
- part-writing
focuses on how individual vocal/instrumental lines move; less common in general use
- monophony
music with only a single melodic line, no harmonic texture
文法句型
counterpoint between X and Y
in counterpoint with
用法筆記
This sense belongs to music theory, especially discussion of Baroque and Renaissance composition. You will rarely hear it in everyday conversation about pop or rock music.
常見錯誤
2. a person, thing, or idea that, when placed next to a different one, creates a no
a person, thing, or idea that, when placed next to a different one, creates a noticeable and interesting difference between them
The quiet village life provided a perfect counterpoint to Diya's busy job in the city.
counterpoint to + noun phrase — typical preposition pattern
In the painting, the artist uses dark shadows as a counterpoint to the bright flowers.
Hoa's calm voice was a welcome counterpoint to the angry shouting in the room.
The novel's humorous scenes serve as a counterpoint to its serious discussion of grief.
- contrast
more general; does not carry the sense of artistry or intentional pairing that counterpoint implies
- foil
specifically a person or thing that makes another's qualities stand out by being very different
- complement
suggests the two things complete each other; counterpoint emphasises difference rather than completion
- match
something that is very similar, not contrasting
文法句型
a counterpoint to + noun phrase
serve as a counterpoint
用法筆記
Often followed by the preposition 'to' to show what is being contrasted. Subject can be anything — a person, a colour, a mood, a design element, or an argument.
常見錯誤
counterpoint — verb
- counterpointpresent simple I / you / we / they
- counterpoints3rd person singular
- counterpointing-ing form
- counterpointedpast simple
1. to deliberately place one person, thing, or idea next to a different one so that
to deliberately place one person, thing, or idea next to a different one so that the differences between them become clear or striking — for example, a filmmaker counterpointing a joyful scene with a sad one
The director counterpointed the happy wedding scene with shots of the empty family home.
counterpointed + noun + with + noun — shows the transitive pattern
Talia's modern glass building was designed to counterpoint the old stone church next to it.
In his speech, the professor counterpointed the risks of new technology against its potential benefits.
The writer counterpoints joy with hardship to show the journey's full story.
- match
to make similar or identical rather than contrasting
文法句型
counterpoint + noun + with + noun
be counterpointed by + noun
counterpoint + noun + against + noun
用法筆記
Common in art, film, literary, and architectural criticism. More formal than 'contrast' and suggests that the pairing is deliberate and meaningful, not accidental.
常見錯誤
2. to write or arrange a piece of music by adding one or more independent melodies
to write or arrange a piece of music by adding one or more independent melodies to a given tune, following the rules of counterpoint
Lotte spent the weekend learning how to counterpoint a folk tune with a second melody.
counterpoint + noun + with + noun — composition pattern
The choir sang a piece where each voice part was carefully counterpointed against the others.
Nicholas enjoys counterpointing slow, long notes with fast, short ones in his compositions.
The composer counterpointed the main theme with a quieter melody in the lower register.
- write in counterpoint
phrasal alternative that is more common than the single-word verb
- arrange contrapuntally
more technical and formal
文法句型
counterpoint + noun + with + noun
be counterpointed with
用法筆記
Rare outside of music education and composition textbooks. Most English speakers use 'write in counterpoint' or 'compose using counterpoint' instead of the verb form.