subdominant

[suhb-dom-uh-nuhnt]

noun

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

adjective

1. less than or not quite dominant.

subdominant

/ sʌbˈdɒmɪnənt /

noun

1. the fourth degree of a major or minor scale

2. a key or chord based on this

adjective

1. of or relating to the subdominant

Word History and Origins

Origin of subdominant¹

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.

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In addition to atomic lines, we included opacity from electron-scattering and free–free processes, though the contribution of these sources is subdominant.

Read more on Nature

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.

Read more on Time

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

Read more on The Guardian

The cadence formed when a subdominant chord immediately precedes the final tonic chord. ii.,

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