mediant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “mediant” mean?
In music theory, the third degree of a diatonic scale, or a note that is a third above the tonic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In music theory, the third degree of a diatonic scale, or a note that is a third above the tonic.
In mathematics, specifically in the context of Farey sequences, a fraction formed by adding the numerators and denominators of two adjacent fractions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Solely carries technical, domain-specific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in all contexts outside of specialised music or mathematics discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mediant” in a Sentence
the mediant of [scale/key]the mediant of [fraction A] and [fraction B]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in advanced music theory and number theory papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term within the specialised fields of music theory and certain branches of mathematics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mediant”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mediant”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'intermediary' or 'medium'.
- Pronouncing it with stress on the second syllable (/miːdɪˈænt/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is a common error. 'Mediant' is a precise technical term with no established meaning related to mediation or intermediaries in general language.
No. 'Median' refers to a middle value in statistics or geometry. 'Mediant' is a different concept specific to music scales and a particular mathematical operation on fractions.
No. It is a highly specialised term. Learners should be aware of it only if studying music theory or advanced mathematics in English.
The mediant of two fractions a/b and c/d is (a+c)/(b+d). For example, the mediant of 1/2 and 2/3 is 3/5.
In music theory, the third degree of a diatonic scale, or a note that is a third above the tonic.
Mediant is usually technical / formal in register.
Mediant: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiːdɪənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmidiənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The MEDIANT is the MIDdle note between the TONic and the dominANT in a scale (it's actually the third, but it sits between them).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STRUCTURAL MIDDLE (though mathematically precise, not simply 'central')
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'mediant' NOT typically used?