subdominant

American  

[suhb-dom-uh-nuhnt] / sʌbˈdɒm ə nənt /

noun

1. Music. the fourth tone of a diatonic scale, next below the dominant.

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adjective

1. less than or not quite dominant.

subdominant British  

/ sʌbˈdɒmɪnənt /

noun

1. the fourth degree of a major or minor scale

2. a key or chord based on this

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adjective

1. of or relating to the subdominant

Etymology

Origin of subdominant

First recorded in 1785–95; sub- + dominant

Example Sentences

In the first seven sessions after such elections, there have been 33 dominant party trifectas, one subdominant party trifecta, and one session with divided government.

From Salon • Dec. 2, 2018

Its magic lies in the ascent from tonic to major seventh in the first section and the move to the subdominant at the end of the middle, amidst some compelling modal inflections.

From Time • May 25, 2016

Much of their music is based on the tonic, dominant and subdominant – just like much of rock'n'roll.

From The Guardian • Jan. 24, 2013

These subdominant birds are wary of any aggressive-looking rival and will avoid a decoy in the menacing strut or half-strut position.

From Time Magazine Archive

A later step is to make use of the position of the chord in a sequence—for instance, the child soon gets to notice that many phrases end with the progression subdominant, dominant, tonic.

From Music As A Language Lectures to Music Students by Home, Ethel