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contrapuntal — Relating to or characterized by counterpoint, i.e. two or more independent melodic lines played simultaneously in music

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: Relating to or characterized by counterpoint, i.e. two or more independent melodic lines played simultaneously in music

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌkɑːntrəˈpʌntəl/

Example Sentences

  • The composer wove three contrapuntal lines together so skillfully that each felt like the main melody.
  • My roommate's snoring and my alarm clock created an unintentionally contrapuntal duet at 6 a.m.
  • Bach is often considered the master of contrapuntal composition.

contrapuntal

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌkɑːntrəˈpʌntəl/]

Relating to or characterized by counterpoint, i.e. two or more independent melodic lines played simultaneously in music

The choir's contrapuntal harmony weaves two melodies into one breathtaking sound.
💡 Concept

The choir's contrapuntal harmony weaves two melodies into one breathtaking sound.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌkɑːntrəˈpʌntəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌkɒntrəˈpʌntəl/

🌳Etymology

Prefixcontra--
Rootpunct
Suffix--al

Origin

From Italian 'contrapunto', derived from Latin 'punctus contra punctum' meaning 'point against point', referring to musical notes set against each other.

Breakdown

contra- (against/counter) + punct- (point/note) + -al (adjective suffix)

🎵Rhyme

frontal
confrontal

🔗Collocations

contrapuntal structure
contrapuntal melody
contrapuntal technique
contrapuntal writing
highly contrapuntal
contrapuntal texture
contrapuntal voices

📝Examples

“The composer wove three contrapuntal lines together so skillfully that each felt like the main melody.”

😄 Fun example

“My roommate's snoring and my alarm clock created an unintentionally contrapuntal duet at 6 a.m.”

“Bach is often considered the master of contrapuntal composition.”

“The choir director asked us to sing our parts in a contrapuntal style, so no one drowned out the others.”

😄 Fun example

“The debate turned contrapuntal as both speakers presented opposing arguments at the same time, oddly in rhythm.”

📚Related Words

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