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 wild, killer whales vie for dominance but the subdominant animal then flees the scene and the conflict subsides.

From The Daily Beast

The third movement consists of a fine Adagio in E flat, in the key of the subdominant and in three-four time.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The next sonata, No. 10 , has three movements, all in the same key; the Trio of the Minuet is in the key of the subdominant.

From Project Gutenberg

When the principal theme returns, it is clothed first with subdominant, then with tonic minor harmony.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg