counterpoint

contrepoint, contraste

Élément d’une œuvre qui en fait ressortir un autre par contraste.

En anglais simple : A contrasting part of a work of art that makes another part more noticeable.

• The bright wall provides a counterpoint to the dark figures.
• Her cheerful character offers a counterpoint to the film’s sadness.
• The novel uses village life as a counterpoint to city life.

Comment l'utiliser : counterpoint to something (The comedy provides a counterpoint to the darker scenes.)

Synonymes : contrast

Expressions courantes : a comic counterpoint, counterpoint to something

contrepoint

Mélodie indépendante jouée ou chantée en même temps qu’une autre, avec laquelle elle s’accorde.

En anglais simple : A separate tune played or sung alongside another tune, with the two fitting together.

• The flute adds a counterpoint to the melody.
• She studied counterpoint at music college.
• The two voices weave together in delicate counterpoint.

Comment l'utiliser : counterpoint to something (The cello provides a counterpoint to the violin melody.)

Expressions courantes : musical counterpoint, a flowing counterpoint

contrepoint, contre-argument

Idée ou position qui s’oppose à une autre ou contraste avec elle.

En anglais simple : An idea or position that opposes or contrasts with another.

• She offered a counterpoint to his argument.
• This evidence provides an interesting counterpoint to the official account.
• The debate included several counterpoints to the proposed policy.

Comment l'utiliser : counterpoint to something (His report offers a counterpoint to the minister’s claims.)

Synonymes : opposing view, counterargument

Expressions courantes : a useful counterpoint, counterpoint to something

contraster avec, faire contrepoint à

Contraster avec quelque chose ou apporter une idée opposée.

En anglais simple : To contrast with something or provide an opposing idea.

• Her optimism counterpoints his gloom.
• The film counterpointed joyful scenes with images of loss.
• Bright colours counterpoint the painting’s serious subject.

Comment l'utiliser : counterpoint something with something (The writer counterpoints fear with moments of humour.)

Synonymes : contrast with, offset

Expressions courantes : counterpoint something, counterpoint something with something

mettre en contrepoint

Écrire ou arranger des mélodies indépendantes pour qu’elles s’accordent lorsqu’elles sont jouées ensemble.

En anglais simple : To write or arrange separate tunes so they fit together when played at the same time.

• She learned to counterpoint simple melodies.
• The composer counterpointed the theme with a second tune.
• He carefully counterpoints the two vocal parts.

Comment l'utiliser : counterpoint something with something (She counterpointed the melody with a lively bass line.)

Expressions courantes : counterpoint a melody, counterpoint two themes