supplementary intervals

[/ˌsʌplɪˈmɛntəri ˈɪntərvəlz/]
nounpl: supplementary intervals
intervalos suplementares
1. In music theory, two intervals that together span an octave, with their semitone values adding up to 12
A major third and a minor sixth are supplementary intervals because they add up to an octave.
Uma terça maior e uma sexta menor são intervalos suplementares porque somam uma oitava.
2. In geometry and mathematics, angles or measurements that are complementary to a full octave or complete cycle
When analyzing wave patterns, supplementary intervals help define the complete frequency spectrum.
Ao analisar padrões de ondas, os intervalos suplementares ajudam a definir o espectro de frequência completo.
This is a specialized technical term used primarily in music theory and academic music education in both Brazil and Portugal. It is less common in casual conversation and appears mainly in conservatory curricula, music textbooks, and professional musical analysis. The concept is fundamental to understanding harmonic relationships in Western musical tradition.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
complementary intervalsinverted intervalsreciprocal intervals
Antonyms / Antônimos
unrelated intervalsdisjunct intervals

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
intervalos suplementares
Standard term used in music education and theory
Portugal
intervalos suplementares
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; used in conservatory contexts
General English-speaking
supplementary intervals
Technical term specific to music and music theory academia

Related Words

musical intervaloctavesemitoneharmonic analysisinterval inversionpitch class

Related Idioms & Phrases

fill the octave with supplementary intervals
supplementary intervals in harmonic balance
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