diesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHighly Technical/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “diesis” mean?
In music theory, a small interval, specifically the difference between two enharmonically equivalent notes (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In music theory, a small interval, specifically the difference between two enharmonically equivalent notes (e.g., C♯ and D♭), or a term for the double dagger symbol (‡) in printing.
Primarily a technical term with two distinct meanings: 1) In music, it refers to a very small pitch difference, either the 'enharmonic diesis' (the difference between a sharp and its enharmonic flat, roughly 41 cents) or the 'great diesis' (128:125 ratio, about 41 cents). 2) In typography, it is the name for the double dagger obelus symbol (‡), used primarily for footnotes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly in the vowel of the second syllable.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects, with usage confined to specialist publications.
Grammar
How to Use “diesis” in a Sentence
[The/An] + [diesis] + [is/was] + [defined/used/called]The + [difference/interval/symbol] + [of a] + diesisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diesis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diesis interval is minuscule.
- A diesis symbol was used in the footnote.
American English
- The diesis interval is tiny.
- A diesis symbol was used for the third reference.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used rarely in specialised musicology, acoustics, or historical printing journals.
Everyday
Virtually unknown and unused.
Technical
The only domain of use. Appears in advanced music theory texts, discussions of microtonal music, or typographic manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diesis”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diesis”
- Pronouncing it like 'dice-is' with a hard /s/. The final syllable is typically /sɪs/ or /səs/.
- Confusing it with 'dialysis' or 'dieresis'.
- Assuming it is a common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and highly technical term. Most native speakers would not know it.
Both are small intervals, but specific sizes and historical definitions differ. The 'enharmonic diesis' is one type of comma, often synonymous with the 'enharmonic comma' (e.g., the Pythagorean comma or the syntonic comma in different contexts).
Yes, but it's very rare. It is the third in a traditional sequence of footnote symbols after the asterisk (*) and dagger (†). Modern academic writing typically uses superscript numbers.
There is no direct key. In Windows, use Alt+0135. On Mac, it's often found in the Character Viewer (Emoji & Symbols). In HTML, use `‡` or `‡`.
In music theory, a small interval, specifically the difference between two enharmonically equivalent notes (e.
Diesis is usually highly technical/specialist in register.
Diesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʌɪɪsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪəsəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DICE (die) with a sharp (♯) and a flat (♭) symbol on two faces. The tiny difference when you roll it is the DIE-SIS.
Conceptual Metaphor
A diesis is a GAP or CRACK in the system - a tiny, almost imperceptible discrepancy between two things that are supposed to be identical.
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you most likely encounter the term 'diesis'?