to counterpoint
1
7.9
- verb
- /ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/
- Specialized
:
contrapuntear
- Their unique sound, made popular through Croft's icy guitar tones and seductive vocals counterpointing with Sim, sounded just as good in the open-air venue as it does in the studio.
Examples
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Very high repeated sounds counterpointed against wooden percussion.
Academic text (2015) -
In towns like Albuquerque and Gallup, the development of roadside tourism and businesses is historically counterpointed by the starker realities of the Indian people touched by Route 66.
Academic text (2008) -
The vocals will... counterpoint the backing track.
-
Modern performances counterpointed news film to great emotional effect.
Academic text (2011) -
The tip of Jessie's cigarette burns brightly in this dark room, counterpointed by other burnt orange circles of cigarettes held in long-fingered hands.
Fiction book (1992) -
Then the baying of that dog was counterpointed by the voices of the rest of the pack, strung out behind the lead dog in that tangle of cane and briars.
Fiction book (2002) -
Their poetic intensity, coming from their high pitch, enhances the dramatic sense in the poem by counterpointing the standard Arabic, which sounds more meditative and therefore prosaic.
Academic text (1997) -
The composer wants to counterpoint the main theme with a subtle harmony.
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The conductor instructed the orchestra to counterpoint the strings with the brass section for a richer sound.
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In this piece, the pianist will counterpoint the melody with a delicate counter-rhythm.
Synonyms
1
7.9
To put one thing next to another to show contrast
How Complex
Surface Forms
Etymology
Counterpoint as a verb comes from the same Latin parts contra 'against' and punctum 'point' and originally meant to put one musical line 'against' another. So to counterpoint is to write or arrange melodies that contrast and fit together.