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Theme Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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theme

[Îļiːm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

general

The main subject or idea that is being discussed or described in a piece of writing, a movie, etc.

Synonyms

idea, motif, subject, topic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
theme

Used when discussing the central topic or underlying message in literature, art, or music.

  • The theme of the novel is the struggle between good and evil.
  • The theme of the concert was unity and peace.
subject

Used to refer to the main focus or topic of discussion, investigation, or study.

  • The subject of the meeting was the upcoming budget proposal.
  • His favorite subject in school is mathematics.
topic

Used to describe a specific area of discussion or debate, usually in a more casual or general sense.

  • Today's topic for the debate is climate change.
  • She wrote an essay on the topic of social media influence.
motif

Often used in literature, art, and music to describe a recurring element that has symbolic significance.

  • The motif of the rose appears frequently in the author's poems.
  • A recurring musical motif ties the entire symphony together.
idea

Used to describe a thought, concept, or notion, often in the context of creativity, problem-solving, or proposals.

  • She has a brilliant idea for the new project.
  • The idea behind the initiative is to promote sustainability.

Examples of usage

  • The theme of the novel is friendship and loyalty.
  • The party's theme is 'Great Gatsby'.
  • The movie explores the theme of redemption.
Context #2 | Noun

art

A distinctive quality or feature that sets a particular work of art apart from others.

Synonyms

element, motive, style.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
theme

Use this word when discussing the main subject or idea in a piece of writing, discussion, or artistic work.

  • The theme of the novel is the struggle between good and evil
  • The theme of the party was 'under the sea
  • '
style

This word is often used when describing the distinctive features of how something is done, particularly in art, fashion, writing, or behavior.

  • I love her style of writing; it's so engaging
  • Her fashion style is very unique and trendy
motive

Use 'motive' when you need to describe the reason behind someone's actions, often in a detective or psychological context. Note that it can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • The detective questioned her about her motive for committing the crime
  • His motive for helping was purely selfless
element

This word is suitable when referring to a basic or essential part of something larger, such as a component of a story, artwork, or chemical compound.

  • One key element of her argument was the evidence she provided
  • Water is made up of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen

Examples of usage

  • The painting's theme of light and shadow is striking.
  • The theme of nature is prevalent in the artist's work.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To give a particular theme or setting to (a piece of writing, a movie, etc.).

Synonyms

adapt, customize, tailor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
theme

Commonly used when discussing the main subject or idea that is being focused on or repeated in a piece of art, literature, event, or discussion.

  • The theme of the conference was innovation in technology
  • The party had a Hawaiian theme with decorations and music
customize

Best used when you need to make something according to personal preferences or specific needs.

  • You can customize your phone's settings to suit your preferences
  • He customized his car with new tires and a paint job
tailor

Often used in a work or business setting when creating something specific for an individual or particular need.

  • The software was tailored to meet the needs of the company
  • She tailored the presentation to address the client's interests
adapt

Useful when you need to make changes to something so it can be used in different conditions or for different purposes.

  • She adapted her speech to fit the audience
  • The book was adapted into a movie

Examples of usage

  • She themed her party with a tropical vibe.
  • The designer themed the collection around sustainability.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Classic novels often explore timeless themes like love, revenge, and redemption.
  • Authors use themes to connect with readers and to convey deeper meanings in their stories.
  • Some famous themes include the struggle between good and evil, the journey of self-discovery, and the effects of societal pressures.

Film and Media

  • In movies, themes can define the genre, such as love stories or horror tales, shaping the overall experience.
  • Directors and writers may use visual and auditory elements to enhance a theme, making it more impactful.
  • Popular film themes include the triumph of the human spirit and the importance of family.

Art

  • Artists often choose a theme to explore through various mediums, from painting to sculpture.
  • Recurring themes in art history include identity, nature, and the human experience.
  • Famous artworks can be analyzed for their thematic content, revealing societal values and personal reflections.

Education

  • Teaching through themes helps students make connections between subjects and real-world issues.
  • Curriculum themes, like sustainability or technology, can engage students and foster critical thinking.
  • Projects centered around a theme encourage collaborative learning and creativity in the classroom.

Origin of 'theme'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'theme' comes from the Greek word 'thema', which means 'something put or placed'.
  • It was used in ancient Greek to refer to a subject of discussion or a written piece.
  • In medieval Latin, 'thema' evolved to describe a main idea in both literature and art.

The word 'theme' originates from the Greek word 'thema', meaning 'proposition'. Over time, it evolved to represent a central idea or subject. The concept of themes has been prominent in literature, art, and other forms of expression, allowing creators to convey deeper meanings and connect with audiences on various levels.

See also: them, themselves.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,093, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.