VocabDictionary

E minor

/ˌiː ˈmaɪ.nər/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A musical key based on the note E, consisting of the pitches E, F♯, G, A, B, C, and D, and characterized by a minor third interval.

Example Sentences:
  • The haunting melody of the symphony was composed in the key of E minor.
  • Guitarists often find E minor to be one of the most accessible and expressive keys to play.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “E minor”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the musical note 'E' (the third note of the C major scale) and the Latin 'minor' (meaning 'lesser' or 'smaller'). In music theory, the term refers to the interval of a minor third between the tonic and the mediant, which gives the scale its characteristic melancholic or somber quality compared to the 'major' (greater) third.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

E minor is often associated with 'E' for 'Emotional' or 'E' for 'Eerie' due to its typically sad or dark sound.

Frequently Asked Questions About “E minor

1. What is the meaning of “E minor” in English?

In English, E minor (noun) is defined as: “A musical key based on the note E, consisting of the pitches E, F♯, G, A, B, C, and D, and characterized by a minor third interval.”.

2. How do you use “E minor” in a sentence?

The haunting melody of the symphony was composed in the key of E minor.

3. What are English synonyms of “E minor”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “E minor”?

Derived from the musical note 'E' (the third note of the C major scale) and the Latin 'minor' (meaning 'lesser' or 'smaller'). In music theory, the term refers to the interval of a minor third between the tonic and the mediant, which gives the scale its characteristic melancholic or somber quality compared to the 'major' (greater) third.