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Counterpoint in Irish (Cuntraphointe): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

The Irish for counterpoint is cuntraphointe, a masculine noun (plural cuntraphointí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “counterpoint” in Irish

Irish:
cuntraphointe
English:
counterpoint
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“KUN-truh-fwin-tyuh”  /ˈkʊnt̪ˠɾˠəˌfˠɪn̠ʲtʲə/
Various forms
Plural:
cuntraphointí (counterpoints)
Genitive singular:
cuntraphointe, an chuntraphointe (e.g. rialacha an chuntraphointe, the rules of counterpoint)
Genitive plural:
cuntraphointí, na gcuntraphointí (e.g. staidéar na gcuntraphointí, the study of counterpoints)

What does “cuntraphointe” mean?

counterpoint
In music, the technique of combining two or more independent melodies so that they sound together in harmony.Also: contrapuntal music, polyphony.

“Cuntraphointe” with the article

The plural of counterpoint in Irish is cuntraphointí. Here is cuntraphointe after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cuntraphointe
the counterpoint
No change after an
na cuntraphointí
the counterpoints
Plural: no change after na

“Cuntraphointe” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cuntraphointe, the Irish word for counterpoint.

Tá cuntraphointe á staidéar aici sa choláiste.
She is studying counterpoint at college.
Bhí Bach ina mháistir ar an gcuntraphointe.
Bach was a master of counterpoint.
Is deacair rialacha an chuntraphointe a fhoghlaim.
The rules of counterpoint are hard to learn.
Scríobh sé cuntraphointí simplí don chór.
He wrote simple counterpoints for the choir.
Tá cuntraphointe álainn sa phíosa seo.
There is beautiful counterpoint in this piece.
Rinne mé mo chuntraphointe féin ar an bhfonn.
I made my own counterpoint to the tune.
Bíonn ceachtanna cuntraphointe againn gach Máirt.
We have counterpoint lessons every Tuesday.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Counterpoint in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for counterpoint?

The Irish for counterpoint is cuntraphointe (pronounced “KUN-truh-fwin-tyuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cuntraphointí.

How do you pronounce cuntraphointe in Irish?

Cuntraphointe is said like “KUN-truh-fwin-tyuh” (IPA /ˈkʊnt̪ˠɾˠəˌfˠɪn̠ʲtʲə/).

What is the plural of counterpoint in Irish?

The plural of cuntraphointe is cuntraphointí; with the article, na cuntraphointí means “the counterpoints”. The genitive plural is cuntraphointí, as in staidéar na gcuntraphointí (the study of counterpoints).

Why does cuntraphointe change to chuntraphointe or gcuntraphointe?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cuntraphointe becomes mo chuntraphointe (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcuntraphointe (eclipsis).

How does 'cuntraphointe' relate to 'armóin'?

'Cuntraphointe' is about combining independent melodic lines, while 'armóin' (harmony) is about the chords those lines form together.

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