superdominant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareTechnical/Musical
Quick answer
What does “superdominant” mean?
A musical term for the sixth degree of a diatonic scale, the note a sixth above the tonic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical term for the sixth degree of a diatonic scale, the note a sixth above the tonic; in harmony, the chord built on this degree.
In a general metaphorical sense, something that is exceptionally dominant, preeminent, or overwhelmingly superior. This usage is highly specialist or poetic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in musical terminology. The potential figurative use is equally rare and non-standard in both varieties.
Connotations
In music: purely technical. Figuratively: would imply a level of dominance beyond merely 'dominant'.
Frequency
Almost exclusively encountered in advanced music theory texts or discussions in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “superdominant” in a Sentence
The [superdominant] resolves to the [tonic/dominant].In [key], the [superdominant] is [note].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “superdominant” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The superdominant chord often precedes a cadential six-four.
American English
- The superdominant function provides a sense of departure from the tonic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in musicology, composition, and theory papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be confusing.
Technical
Standard term in music theory for the sixth scale degree or its chord.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “superdominant”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “superdominant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “superdominant”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'very dominant'.
- Confusing it with the 'dominant' (fifth degree) itself.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is not a standard English usage and will likely confuse listeners. Use 'dominant', 'preeminent', or 'market-leading' instead.
Yes, in music theory, 'superdominant' and 'submediant' are two names for the same scale degree (the sixth). 'Submediant' is more common in modern textbooks.
It comes from the scale degree being a step above the 'dominant' (the fifth degree). 'Super-' here means 'above'.
No. It is a highly specialist term used almost exclusively by musicians and music theorists.
A musical term for the sixth degree of a diatonic scale, the note a sixth above the tonic.
Superdominant is usually technical/musical in register.
Superdominant: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpəˈdɒmɪnənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsupərˈdɑːmɪnənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SUPER' (above) + 'DOMINANT' (the fifth). It's the note one step above the dominant (fifth) note of the scale.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS MUSICAL SCALE (for figurative use: a position of supreme control is the highest note in a hierarchy).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'superdominant'?