counterpoint

contrappunto, contrasto

Elemento di un’opera d’arte che, per contrasto, ne fa risaltare un altro.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: counterpoint to something (The comedy provides a counterpoint to the darker scenes.)

Sinonimi: contrast

Espressioni comuni: a comic counterpoint, counterpoint to something

contrappunto

Melodia autonoma suonata o cantata insieme a un’altra, con cui si combina armoniosamente.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: counterpoint to something (The cello provides a counterpoint to the violin melody.)

Espressioni comuni: musical counterpoint, a flowing counterpoint

contrappunto, controargomentazione

Idea o posizione che si oppone a un’altra o contrasta con essa.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: counterpoint to something (His report offers a counterpoint to the minister’s claims.)

Sinonimi: opposing view, counterargument

Espressioni comuni: a useful counterpoint, counterpoint to something

contrastare con, contrapporre

Contrastare con qualcosa o proporre un’idea opposta.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: counterpoint something with something (The writer counterpoints fear with moments of humour.)

Sinonimi: contrast with, offset

Espressioni comuni: counterpoint something, counterpoint something with something

contrappuntare

Scrivere o arrangiare melodie autonome in modo che si combinino bene quando vengono suonate insieme.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: counterpoint something with something (She counterpointed the melody with a lively bass line.)

Espressioni comuni: counterpoint a melody, counterpoint two themes