contretemps

Definition of the French term contretemps in music:

  1. literally "against the time"
  2. syncopation
  3. part progressing slowly while another is progressing fast
Language
French
Singular
contretemps
Plural
contretemps
Variant
contre-temps

Related terms

French musical terms related to contretemps:

  • contre – against, opposite to (often used in combination wi...
  • syncope – syncopation
  • temps – beat (metrical pulse)...