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   Coun·ter·point

   /ˈkoun(t)ərˌpoint/

   

   noun

   • 1. the art or technique of setting, writing, or playing a melody or melodies in conjunction with another, according to fixed rules.
   • ▪ a melody played in conjunction with another.
   • 2. an argument, idea, or theme used to create a contrast with the main element: "I have used my interviews with parents as a counterpoint to a professional judgment"

   verb

   • 1. add counterpoint to (a melody): "the orchestra counterpoints the vocal part"
   • 2. emphasize by contrast: "the cream walls and maple floors are counterpointed by black accents"
   • ▪ compensate for: "the story's fanciful excesses are counterpointed with some sharp and unsentimental dialogue"

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Old French contrepoint, from medieval Latin contrapunctum ‘(song) pricked or marked over against (the original melody)’, from contra- ‘against’ + punctum, from pungere ‘to prick’.

   Scrabble Points: 16

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