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Added 9 October 2026

counterpoint

/ˈkaʊntə(ɹ)ˌpɔɪnt/ noun

Latin root: contrāpūnctum Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about counterpoint at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A musical form involving the simultaneous sound of two or more melodies.

verb

To show differences when compared; be different.
the students contrast considerably in their artistic abilities
Write in counterpoint.
Bach perfected the art of counterpointing

Origin

Inherited from Middle English [Term?], from Middle French contrepoint, from Medieval Latin contrāpūnctum. Equivalent to counter- + point.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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