Phrase guide

plagal cadence

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A falling cadence in which a subdominant chord precedes the tonic; especially used in an ending Amen.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: amen cadence

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a cadence (frequently ending church music) in which the chord of the subdominant precedes the chord of the tonic

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: amen cadence

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: cadence

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: cadence plagale — cadence in which a subdominant chord precedes the tonic
  • German: plagale Kadenz — cadence in which a subdominant chord precedes the tonic
  • Icelandic: kirkjuendir — cadence in which a subdominant chord precedes the tonic
  • Italian: cadenza plagale — cadence in which a subdominant chord precedes the tonic