Which term describes a melody with proportionally more leaps than steps?

Which term describes a melody with proportionally more leaps than steps?

• A. Conjunct melody
• B. Neutral melody
• C. Binary melody
• D. Disjunct melody

Answer: (D)

The main idea is how melodies move between notes: stepwise motion versus leaps. A conjunct melody travels mainly by steps, giving a smooth, connected line. A disjunct melody, on the other hand, uses larger intervals or leaps, giving a jumpier, more angular feel. If a melody has proportionally more leaps than steps, it is described as disjunct because the line is defined by those jumps rather than smooth steps. The other terms don’t describe this motion: neutral isn’t a standard label for melodic contour, and binary relates to form rather than how the melody moves; conjunct describes stepwise motion, which would be the opposite of a leaps-heavy line.

The main idea is how melodies move between notes: stepwise motion versus leaps. A conjunct melody travels mainly by steps, giving a smooth, connected line. A disjunct melody, on the other hand, uses larger intervals or leaps, giving a jumpier, more angular feel. If a melody has proportionally more leaps than steps, it is described as disjunct because the line is defined by those jumps rather than smooth steps. The other terms don’t describe this motion: neutral isn’t a standard label for melodic contour, and binary relates to form rather than how the melody moves; conjunct describes stepwise motion, which would be the opposite of a leaps-heavy line.