Definition

The third note in a musical scale, which helps to define whether a chord is major or minor.

Example

In the key of C major, the mediant is the note E.

Conversation

I was listening to some music theory podcasts, and they mentioned the term mediant.

Oh really? What's a mediant?

It's actually the third tone in a scale, which can define if the chord is major or minor.

That makes sense! I love how understanding these terms can improve my music skills.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mediant → It is formed from "medius" (meaning middle) and the suffix "-ant" (indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word "mediant" refers to something that is in the middle or serves as a middle term, particularly in music theory where it denotes the third scale degree.

Memory Tip

Think of 'middle' ('medius') to remember that 'mediant' refers to something that is in the middle, especially in music.

Visually Confused Words