counterpoint

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [U] (music) the combination of two or more tunes played together to form a single piece of music SYNPOLYPHONY: The two melodies are played in counterpoint. seealsoCONTRAPUNTAL 2 [C] ~ (to sth) (music) a tune played in combination with another one 3 [U,C] (written) a pleasing or interesting contrast: This work is in austere counterpoint to that of Gaudi. verb [VN] ~ sth (with / against sth) (formal) to contrast sth with sth else; to form a contrast with sth