submediant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “submediant” mean?
The sixth degree of a diatonic scale, or the chord built on that degree.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sixth degree of a diatonic scale, or the chord built on that degree.
In music theory, it often refers to the relative minor key in major scales and has specific harmonic functions in tonal progressions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, usage, or pronunciation.
Connotations
Identical in both variants, associated with music theory and education.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both British and American English, limited to musical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “submediant” in a Sentence
the submediant of [key]play the submediantsubmediant as [chord type]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “submediant” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- submediant harmony
- submediant progression
American English
- submediant chord voicings
- submediant function
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; not used in business contexts.
Academic
Common in music theory courses, textbooks, and scholarly discussions.
Everyday
Rarely used in everyday conversation; primarily by musicians, composers, and music enthusiasts.
Technical
Exclusively used in musical terminology, analysis, and composition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “submediant”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “submediant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “submediant”
- Confusing with 'supertonic' (second degree) or 'mediant' (third degree).
- Mispronouncing by omitting stress or altering vowel sounds.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The submediant is the sixth degree of a diatonic scale or the chord built on that degree, commonly used in music theory.
It is used to provide harmonic contrast, often serving as a pivot in modulations or as a softer alternative to dominant chords.
No, in major keys, the submediant is typically a minor chord, while in minor keys, it is a major chord, but its functional role is similar.
Examples can be found in classical pieces, such as Bach's chorales or Beethoven's symphonies, where submediant chords are used in progressions.
The sixth degree of a diatonic scale, or the chord built on that degree.
Submediant is usually technical in register.
Submediant: in British English it is pronounced /sʌbˈmiːdɪənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /sʌbˈmiːdiˌænt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sub-' as under and 'mediant' as the third note; the submediant is the sixth, which is three notes below the tonic in the scale.
Conceptual Metaphor
None; the term is literal and technical in music theory.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'submediant' refer to in music theory?