Contratenor vs. Countertenor — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Munazza Shafiq — Updated on April 24, 2024
"Contratenor" is the incorrect spelling of "countertenor." "Countertenor" refers to a male singing voice whose range is equivalent to that of a female contralto or mezzo-soprano.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Contratenor or Countertenor
How to spell Countertenor?
Contratenor
Incorrect Spelling
Countertenor
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of "countertenor" as comprising two parts: "counter" and "tenor," combining the ideas of countering and the tenor range.
Remember that "countertenor" starts with "counter," as in counterbalance, which is easier to spell and more commonly used than "contra."
The correct spelling "countertenor" includes "counter," which suggests the high pitch counteracting or contrasting with deeper male voices.
How Do You Spell Countertenor Correctly?
Incorrect: He is training to be a contratenor at the music academy.
Correct: He is training to be a countertenor at the music academy.
Incorrect: His voice has developed into a powerful contratenor.
Correct: His voice has developed into a powerful countertenor.
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Incorrect: The choir's contratenor has a truly remarkable range.
Correct: The choir's countertenor has a truly remarkable range.
Incorrect: The contratenor solo was the highlight of the concert.
Correct: The countertenor solo was the highlight of the concert.
Incorrect: A well-trained contratenor can perform complex operatic arias.
Correct: A well-trained countertenor can perform complex operatic arias.
Countertenor Definitions
Typically performs parts written for male altos in choirs and operas.
The countertenor took on roles usually reserved for female singers.
Utilizes falsetto to reach higher pitches.
His ability to switch into falsetto made him an exceptional countertenor.
Known for its smooth and pure tone quality.
The countertenor's voice had a uniquely pure and smooth quality that captivated the audience.
A voice type rare in its natural form but trained extensively in classical music.
Finding a natural countertenor is rare; most undergo rigorous training.
A male singer with a vocal range that matches the typical female contralto or mezzo-soprano.
The countertenor impressed everyone with his rendition of the aria.
A countertenor (also contra tenor) is a type of classical male singing voice whose vocal range is equivalent to that of the female contralto or mezzo-soprano voice types, generally extending from around G3 to D5 or E5, although a sopranist (a specific kind of countertenor) may match the soprano's range of around C4 to C6. Countertenors often are baritones or tenors at core, but only on rare occasions they use their lower vocal range, instead preferring their falsetto or high head voice.
An adult male voice with a range above that of tenor.
A singer having a voice within this range.
Adult male singer who uses head tone or falsetto to sing far higher than the typical male vocal range
Male singing voice far higher than the typical male vocal range
(Older) a part or section performing a countermelody against the tenor or main part
A male singer with a voice above that of a tenor
The highest adult male singing voice
Of or being the highest male voice; having a range above that of tenor
Countertenor Meaning in a Sentence
The countertenor voice is both rare and fascinating to listen to.
His aspiration to become a countertenor took him to many international competitions.
The countertenor stood out in the choir with his exceptional vocal range.
Each note the countertenor hit was met with applause.
Their music teacher was a skilled countertenor who taught them about vocal ranges.
The countertenor took center stage in the final act of the opera.
In the opera, the countertenor portrayed a character traditionally played by women.
His career as a countertenor began in his late teens.
The countertenor collaborated with modern composers to expand his repertoire.
His dream was to perform at an opera house as a celebrated countertenor.
Learning to sing as a countertenor involves mastering breath control.
His voice matured into a full countertenor after years of training.
The countertenor filled the concert hall with his powerful voice.
His teacher predicted he would grow up to be a gifted countertenor.
The young countertenor was excited for his solo performance.
As a countertenor, he often explored pieces written for different vocal types.
The countertenor rehearsed diligently, knowing the complexity of his part.
A famous countertenor was giving a masterclass at the music festival.
Countertenor Idioms & Phrases
To sing countertenor
To take on roles or tasks that are significantly challenging or different.
He decided to sing countertenor by switching careers later in life.
Play the countertenor
To perform against typical expectations or in contrast to usual roles.
In the debate, he chose to play the countertenor, arguing the less popular viewpoint.
A countertenor moment
A situation where a person stands out in an unexpected or impressive way.
Winning the award was definitely a countertenor moment for him.
Countertenor in the room
The most unique or distinctive person or element in a group.
With his innovative ideas, he was always the countertenor in the room during meetings.
A countertenor’s reach
Describes someone attempting things that stretch their capabilities.
He was always ambitious, a countertenor’s reach in every project he undertook.
Common Curiosities
How is countertenor used in a sentence?
e.g., The countertenor's voice added a rare and exquisite layer to the choir's performance.
What is the pronunciation of countertenor?
Countertenor is pronounced as /ˈkaʊntərˌtɛnər/.
How do we divide countertenor into syllables?
Countertenor is divided into syllables as coun-ter-ten-or.
What is a stressed syllable in countertenor?
The stressed syllable in "countertenor" is the second one: coun-TER-ten-or.
What part of speech is countertenor?
Countertenor is a noun.
What is the verb form of countertenor?
Countertenor does not have a verb form as it is a noun, specifically a type of singing voice.
What is another term for countertenor?
Another term for countertenor is "male alto."
Why is it called countertenor?
The term "countertenor" is derived from the Latin words "contra" (against) and "tenor" (to hold), referring to a vocal part that counters or contrasts with the typical tenor range in choral music.
How many syllables are in countertenor?
There are four syllables in countertenor.
What is the root word of countertenor?
The root word of "countertenor" is "counter," referring to the contrasting voice part.
Is countertenor a vowel or consonant?
The word "countertenor" starts with a consonant.
Is countertenor a countable noun?
Yes, countertenor is a countable noun.
Is countertenor a collective noun?
No, countertenor is not a collective noun.
Is the countertenor term a metaphor?
No, "countertenor" is not used metaphorically; it directly describes a voice type.
Is the word countertenor imperative?
No, "countertenor" is a noun and does not have an imperative form.
What is the opposite of countertenor?
The opposite of countertenor could be considered a bass or baritone, the lower male voice types.
Is countertenor an adverb?
No, countertenor is not an adverb.
Is countertenor a negative or positive word?
Countertenor is a neutral word; it is not inherently negative or positive.
Which determiner is used with countertenor?
Determiners such as "a," "the," and "each" can be used with "countertenor," depending on the context, e.g., "The countertenor performed beautifully."
Which vowel is used before countertenor?
The type of vowel used before "countertenor" depends on the preceding word; commonly, it is preceded by "a" or "the."
Which preposition is used with countertenor?
Prepositions commonly used with "countertenor" include "as" and "in," e.g., "He performs as a countertenor" or "He is skilled in the countertenor range."
What is the singular form of countertenor?
The singular form is "countertenor."
Is the word countertenor a Gerund?
No, "countertenor" is not a gerund; it is a noun describing a voice type.
Is the word “countertenor” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
As a noun, "countertenor" can function as a direct object in a sentence, e.g., "I listened to the countertenor," where it receives the action of the verb.
Which conjunction is used with countertenor?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used with "countertenor," depending on the sentence, e.g., "The countertenor and the soprano performed a duet."
What is the plural form of countertenor?
The plural form is "countertenors."
Is countertenor a noun or adjective?
Countertenor is a noun.
Is countertenor an abstract noun?
No, countertenor is a concrete noun as it refers to a specific type of singing voice.
Which article is used with countertenor?
The definite article "the" or the indefinite article "a" is used with "countertenor," depending on whether the speaker is referring to a specific countertenor or any countertenor, e.g., "The countertenor stole the show."
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Written by
Munazza Shafiq
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
