How Do You Spell SUBMEDIANT?

Pronunciation: [sˈʌbmiːdˌi͡ənt] (IPA)

The word submediant (/sʌbmɪdiənt/) refers to the sixth note of a diatonic scale. The correct spelling of this word begins with "sub" which means below or under, followed by "mediant" which is the third note of the scale. The IPA phonetic transcription clarifies the pronunciation of each syllable of the word. It emphasizes that the stress is on the second syllable "mid" and the sound /ɪ/ should be used for "i" instead of the common pronunciation /i:/.

SUBMEDIANT Meaning and Definition

1. The term "submediant" refers to a musical concept that primarily relates to the field of harmony and tonality. In music theory, the submediant is a chord or scale degree that is positioned a sixth below the tonic or the tonic chord. It is represented by the Roman numeral VI in harmonic analysis.

   In the context of a major key, the submediant chord is formed by taking the sixth degree of the major scale and building a chord off of it. For example, in the key of C major, the submediant chord is A minor, as A is the sixth degree of the C major scale. Similarly, in a minor key, the submediant chord is built on the sixth degree of the natural minor scale.

   The submediant chord has a characteristic melancholic or soothing quality that can often be found in musical compositions to evoke emotional responses. It can be used as a transition or pivot chord between different sections, as it offers a sense of relaxation and resolution.

   Additionally, the submediant function can also be observed in modulations, where it serves as a pivot point to shift between keys. By using the submediant chord of the original key as a tonic in the new key, the listener is guided through a smooth musical transition.

   Overall, the submediant is an essential harmonic and tonal element that contributes to the richness and complexity of musical compositions.

2. In music, the middle note between the octave and subdominant.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SUBMEDIANT

• aubmediant
• zubmediant
• xubmediant
• dubmediant
• eubmediant
• wubmediant
• sybmediant
• shbmediant
• sjbmediant
• sibmediant
• s8bmediant
• s7bmediant
• suvmediant
• sunmediant
• suhmediant
• sugmediant
• subnediant
• subkediant
• subjediant

Etymology of SUBMEDIANT

The word "submediant" is derived from Latin and has its roots in classical music theory. The term "mediant" refers to the third degree of a diatonic scale, which is a musical scale consisting of seven different pitches. It is called "mediant" because it is situated exactly between the tonic (first degree) and the dominant (fifth degree).

The prefix "sub-" in "submediant" means "below" or "under". So, the submediant is a pitch that is a whole step below the tonic. The etymology of "submediant" can be understood as a combination of the Latin prefix "sub-" and the word "mediant", indicating a note that is below or under the mediant in a scale.

Plural form of SUBMEDIANT is SUBMEDIANTS