Counterpoint
/ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/
nounB2
Definition
Counterpoint means something that is different or opposite to another thing but is used together to make a whole more interesting or balanced. In music, it is when two or more melodies play at the same time in a way that sounds good. In conversation or writing, it is an opposing idea that helps explain or show different sides.
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See It in Action
A contrasting but complementary idea or argument
- •She offered a counterpoint to his opinion during the meeting.
- •The article presents several counterpoints to the popular theory.
- •His counterpoint helped everyone see the problem from another angle.
In music, the combination of two or more independent melodies played together
- •The composer used counterpoint to create a rich and complex piece.
- •Bach’s music is famous for its beautiful counterpoint.
- •Learning counterpoint helps musicians understand harmony better.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "counterpoint" like "opposite" (A1 word), but working together to make something better or clearer, not just against each other
- ✓Picture two people talking, each giving different ideas that fit together like puzzle pieces
- ✓It's the feeling when you listen to a song with two different tunes that sound good together, like a musical conversation
- ✓Sounds like "COUNTER-point" → imagine a point (idea) that counters or balances another point, like two sides of a scale
- ✓Remember a debate where one person gives a strong idea, and the other gives a counterpoint to show another view
- ✓NOT like "argument" (which can be just fighting or disagreeing), counterpoint is more about balance and adding interest
- ✓NOT like "copy" (which is the same), counterpoint is different but connected
- ✓NOT like "noise" (random sound), counterpoint is organized and pleasant in music
Try Other Words
- •Contrast: a difference that shows two things clearly (Use when focusing on difference, not balance)
- •Reply: an answer or response, often in discussion (Use when emphasizing response rather than balance)
- •Counterargument: an opposing argument (Use in debates or discussions for opposing ideas)
- •Harmony: agreement or pleasant combination (Use in music or ideas when things fit well together)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "counter-" (against, opposite) + "point" (a single idea or dot)
- •Etymology: From Latin roots, "counter" meaning against and "point" meaning a specific idea or detail
- •Historical development: Originally used in music to describe opposing melodies; later used in language and ideas to mean contrasting views
- •Modern usage: Used in music education, writing, debates, and any time contrasting elements create interest or balance
Reflect & Connect
•How can using counterpoints in a conversation help people understand different sides of a problem?
•Can you think of a time when a counterpoint changed your opinion or helped you see something in a new way?
Fill in the blanks
1.In the debate, her counterpoint was strong because it ___ the main idea with a different view.
2.When writing an essay, including a counterpoint helps to ___ your argument and show balance.
3.In music, counterpoint happens when two melodies ___ at the same time but sound good together.
4.A counterpoint is different from an argument because it aims to ___, not just disagree.
5.The teacher asked us to find a counterpoint to the statement, so we had to think of an ___ idea.
6.Counterpoints often ___ the main idea by showing another side or opinion.
7.When listening to Bach’s music, you can hear many counterpoints that ___ the melody.