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

This is a lonely, vulnerable turkey but likely a subdominant tom afraid of getting his feathers rearranged by a boss gobbler.

From Time Magazine Archive

At the seventh bar there is modulation to the dominant, and at the ninth, to the subdominant, in which the opening theme recurs.

From The Pianoforte Sonata Its Origin and Development by Shedlock, J. S. (John South)