How Do You Spell SUBTONIC?

Pronunciation: [sʌbtˈɒnɪk] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "subtonic" may seem confusing, but it's actually quite straightforward. The first syllable, "sub," means below or under, and the second syllable, "tonic," refers to the musical note that commands the principal harmony. Therefore, a subtonic note is the note below the tonic. In IPA phonetic transcription, "subtonic" would be written as /ˈsʌbˌtɑnɪk/, with the stress on the first syllable and pronounced like "suhb-tawn-ik." It's a term often used in music theory and composition.

SUBTONIC Meaning and Definition

1. The term "subtonic" is a noun that refers to a musical note, specifically the seventh degree of a diatonic scale, which is one half step below the tonic. It is also commonly known as the leading tone. In music theory, the tonic is the foundational note of a scale, serving as the home or resting point to which other notes gravitate.

   The subtonic is crucial in creating a sense of tension and anticipation in music. Its proximity to the tonic, being only a half step away, gives it a sound that yearns to resolve or progress to the tonic. This quality of the subtonic is frequently utilized in various musical genres, particularly in classical music and traditional Western harmony.

   In some musical systems, particularly those influenced by the major and minor scales, the subtonic is considered a crucial part of the harmonic framework. It provides the impetus to resolve to the tonic, creating a sense of closure and satisfaction. However, it is important to note that not all musical systems or scales have a subtonic note. It is primarily associated with the Western tonal system.

   Due to its distinctive role in generating melodic tension, the subtonic is a fundamental concept for composers, music theorists, and performers. Its selection and usage play a significant role in establishing the tonal center, shaping the emotional character, and guiding the overall musical progression.

2. In music, the leading note or semitone next below the tonic; the sharp seventh.

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

Common Misspellings for SUBTONIC

• aubtonic
• zubtonic
• xubtonic
• dubtonic
• eubtonic
• wubtonic
• sybtonic
• shbtonic
• sjbtonic
• sibtonic
• s8btonic
• s7btonic
• suvtonic
• suntonic
• suhtonic
• sugtonic
• subfonic
• subgonic
• subyonic

Etymology of SUBTONIC

The word "subtonic" is derived from the Latin prefix "sub-", meaning "under" or "below", and the word "tonic", which comes from the Greek "tonikos" meaning "pertaining to tension". In music theory, the term "tonic" refers to the first note of a scale or the key center. The subtonic, as the name suggests, is a term used to describe the note or degree of a scale situated below the tonic.

Similar spelling words for SUBTONIC

• subatomic,
• subtend.

Plural form of SUBTONIC is SUBTONICS