Binary Form vs Ternary Form

Side-by-side comparison of two musical terms.

	Binary Form	Ternary Form
Definition	A two-part musical structure (AB)	A three-part musical structure (ABA)
Category	form	form
Pronunciation	BY-nah-ree FORM	TUR-nah-ree FORM
Origin	Latin	Latin
BPM	—	—
Synonyms	two-part form	three-part form ABA form
Antonyms	ternary form	binary form
Usage	The minuet is in rounded binary form — the opening phrase returns near the end of the second section.	The nocturne follows ternary form: a lyrical opening, a turbulent middle section, and a return to calm.

Definition: A two-part musical structure (AB)
Category: form
Pronunciation: BY-nah-ree FORM
Origin: Latin
Synonyms: two-part form
Antonyms: ternary form
Usage: The minuet is in rounded binary form — the opening phrase returns near the end of the second section.

Definition: A three-part musical structure (ABA)
Category: form
Pronunciation: TUR-nah-ree FORM
Origin: Latin
Synonyms: three-part form ABA form
Antonyms: binary form
Usage: The nocturne follows ternary form: a lyrical opening, a turbulent middle section, and a return to calm.