counterpoint

nouncontrast

Synonyms for counterpoint

noun contrast

Antonyms for counterpoint

Word Origin & History

early 15c., of stitching, from Old French cuilte contrepointe "quilt stitched through and through," altered from coute pointe, from Medieval Latin culcita puncta "quilted mattress," from Latin culcita "cushion" + puncta, fem. past participle of pungere "to prick, stab" (see pungent).

Of music, mid-15c., from Old French contrepoint, from Medieval Latin cantus contrapunctus, from contrapunctum, from Latin contra + puncta, with reference to the indication of musical notes by "pricking" with a pointed pen over or under the original melody on a manuscript.

Example Sentences for counterpoint

Gluck called on Handel, who told someone that he knew no more of counterpoint than his cook.

To my Misfortune, I asked one of this sort, from whom he had learned the Counterpoint?

Meyerbeer, it is said, was also weak in counterpoint and fugue.

Gluck, indeed, has even been considered weak in counterpoint and fugue.

William Smith Rockstro, who used to teach Butler counterpoint.

Counterpoint, fugue, and composition he studied under Dudley Buck.

He is a master of counterpoint, and an authority on ancient music.

By this ridiculous proceeding I had lost just two hours on my counterpoint.

Maar, bandmaster at Breslau, gave him his first instruction in counterpoint.

Every section of the mass is in counterpoint, and shows the firm hand of a master.