counterpoint

A contrasting part of a work of art that makes another part more noticeable.

• The bright wall provides a counterpoint to the dark figures.
• Her cheerful character offers a counterpoint to the film’s sadness.
• The novel uses village life as a counterpoint to city life.

How to use it: counterpoint to something (The comedy provides a counterpoint to the darker scenes.)

Similar words: contrast

Common phrases: a comic counterpoint, counterpoint to something

A separate tune played or sung alongside another tune, with the two fitting together.

• The flute adds a counterpoint to the melody.
• She studied counterpoint at music college.
• The two voices weave together in delicate counterpoint.

How to use it: counterpoint to something (The cello provides a counterpoint to the violin melody.)

Common phrases: musical counterpoint, a flowing counterpoint

An idea or position that opposes or contrasts with another.

• She offered a counterpoint to his argument.
• This evidence provides an interesting counterpoint to the official account.
• The debate included several counterpoints to the proposed policy.

How to use it: counterpoint to something (His report offers a counterpoint to the minister’s claims.)

Similar words: opposing view, counterargument

Common phrases: a useful counterpoint, counterpoint to something

To contrast with something or provide an opposing idea.

• Her optimism counterpoints his gloom.
• The film counterpointed joyful scenes with images of loss.
• Bright colours counterpoint the painting’s serious subject.

How to use it: counterpoint something with something (The writer counterpoints fear with moments of humour.)

Similar words: contrast with, offset

Common phrases: counterpoint something, counterpoint something with something

To write or arrange separate tunes so they fit together when played at the same time.

• She learned to counterpoint simple melodies.
• The composer counterpointed the theme with a second tune.
• He carefully counterpoints the two vocal parts.

How to use it: counterpoint something with something (She counterpointed the melody with a lively bass line.)

Common phrases: counterpoint a melody, counterpoint two themes