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What is the difference between conjunct and disjunct melodic motion?

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scale The universality and innate nature of music, and the pentatonic scale, as demonstrated by singer Bobby McFerrin.

In music, melodic motion describes how a melody moves from one pitch to the next, which helps define the melody's overall contour. The difference between conjunct and disjunct motion is based on the size of the intervals between successive notes:

Conjunct motion: This refers to a melody that moves primarily by steps, meaning the intervals between consecutive notes are small (typically no more than a major second). Conjunct melodies often have a smooth, flowing quality.12
Disjunct motion: This refers to a melody that moves by leaps, utilizing larger intervals between successive notes.1

Composers often combine these two types of motion to create interest and shape the character of a musical line. For instance, a melody might rise with a sudden leap (disjunct) and then descend gradually through stepwise movement (conjunct).1