supertonic

[soo-per-ton-ik]

noun

Music.

1. the second tone of a diatonic scale, being the next above the tonic.

supertonic

/ ˌsuːpəˈtɒnɪk /

noun

1. the second degree of a major or minor scale

2. a key or chord based on this

Word History and Origins

Origin of supertonic¹

First recorded in 1800–10; super- + tonic

Example Sentences

Not infrequently the theme ends on the leading note or supertonic which strikes the ear with a perpetual surprise, the cadence leading one to anticipate a repetition rather than a conclusion of the air.

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The cream is made in three color tones—the vanilla being the subdominant, as the chord is of subdominant character; the strawberry being the submediant, and the restful green the lowered supertonic or altered tone.”

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In the last measure but one, both the supertonic and leading tone should appear.

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