In the common-practice style, did minor dominant chords (v) still function as a dominant?

1. What are dominant chords?
2. Is the VI chord predominant?
3. Why is it called dominant chord?
4. Why is the fifth note called the dominant?

What are dominant chords?

A dominant chord is a major triad built on the fifth scale degree of either a major scale or a minor scale. Major triads consist of a root note, a major third, and a perfect fifth. A dominant seventh chord adds an additional scale degree—the flat seventh (also called a dominant seventh).

Is the VI chord predominant?

The submediant (vi) may be considered a predominant chord or a tonic substitute. The dominant preparation is a chord or series of chords that precedes the dominant chord in a musical composition. Usually, the dominant preparation is derived from a circle of fifths progression.

Why is it called dominant chord?

The 5th chord found in a scale is known as the dominant, because it is the "most important" interval (among other things, it's the first harmonic other than the octave). The dominant is also spelled in roman numeral, like this: V. A dominant seventh chord is a chord built upon the dominant of a major diatonic scale.

Why is the fifth note called the dominant?

It is called the dominant because it is next in importance to the first scale degree, the tonic. In the movable do solfège system, the dominant note is sung as "So(l)".