contrary motion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Specialized)Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “contrary motion” mean?
Movement of two or more musical parts in opposite directions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Movement of two or more musical parts in opposite directions.
In music theory, the simultaneous movement of two melodic lines in opposite directions (one ascending, the other descending).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; term is standardized in music theory internationally.
Connotations
Neutral technical descriptor in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, confined to musical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “contrary motion” in a Sentence
The [subject] and [subject] move in contrary motion.There is contrary motion between [part A] and [part B].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contrary motion” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The composer's use of contrary motion between the violin and cello lines creates a rich texture.
- Canon often involves strict contrary motion.
American English
- The exercise requires you to write a bass line in contrary motion to the melody.
- Contrary motion is a fundamental concept in species counterpoint.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, composition, and analysis papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside discussions of music.
Technical
Core term in music theory and harmonic analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contrary motion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contrary motion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contrary motion”
- Using 'contrary' as a noun (e.g., 'the contrary of motion').
- Confusing with 'counterpoint' (which is a broader technique).
- Misspelling as 'contray motion' or 'contrary movment'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Counterpoint is the general technique of combining independent melodic lines. Contrary motion is one specific type of relationship (opposite direction) between those lines.
Yes. While often discussed between two parts, you can have multiple pairs of voices moving in contrary motion within a larger texture.
The main types are: 1) Contrary motion (opposite directions), 2) Parallel motion (same direction, keeping the same interval), 3) Similar (or direct) motion (same direction, but changing interval), and 4) Oblique motion (one part moves, the other holds a note).
No. It's a fundamental concept found in virtually all harmonized music, from Bach chorales to jazz voicings and film scoring, wherever independent lines are combined.
Movement of two or more musical parts in opposite directions.
Contrary motion is usually technical/formal in register.
Contrary motion: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.trə.ri ˈməʊ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.trer.i ˈmoʊ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two lifts/elevators in a building: one going UP to the 10th floor, the other going DOWN to the garage—that's contrary motion.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSITION IS SEPARATE DIRECTION (The concept maps opposing ideas onto physical movement away from a common point).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of contrary motion?