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Themes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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themes

[ฮธiหmz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

study

Themes are the main subjects or topics that are being discussed or described in a piece of writing, a film, etc. They are the central ideas that the author wants to convey to the audience.

Synonyms

motif, subject, topic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
themes

Used when discussing the underlying ideas or messages in literature, art, or discussions. Themes are often broad concepts that are recurrently explored in a work.

  • The themes of love and betrayal are prevalent throughout the novel.
  • One of the major themes in the play is the struggle between good and evil.
subject

Refers to the main topic or focus of a piece of writing, discussion, or research. It is more specific than 'theme' and can be used in both general and academic contexts.

  • The subject of the lecture was the impact of social media on communication.
  • Her research focuses on the subject of climate change and its effects on polar bears.
topic

Refers to the specific subject matter of a conversation, essay, or other communication. Topics are narrower than themes and are often used in contexts where specific details are being discussed.

  • Today's topic of discussion is renewable energy sources.
  • He chose a topic for his essay that he was passionate about: wildlife conservation.
motif

Used in literary and artistic contexts to refer to a recurring element, symbol, or idea that has a particular significance. A motif supports the theme and helps to develop the narrative.

  • The motif of darkness and light appears frequently in the poetry collection.
  • Throughout the movie, the director uses the spiral symbol as a motif to suggest chaos.

Examples of usage

  • Love and betrayal are common themes in Shakespeare's plays.
  • The theme of justice is prevalent throughout the novel.
  • The movie explores the theme of redemption.
  • The theme of nature versus nurture is a recurring motif in the story.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, many great stories share common themes, like love, conflict, and the hero's journey.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s plays often explore themes of power and jealousy, reminding us how emotions can drive actions.
  • Many fairy tales include themes of moral lessons, teaching children values like honesty and kindness.

Film and Media

  • Popular movies use themes like hope and redemption to connect with audiences emotionally.
  • Animated films often explore themes of self-discovery, allowing characters to learn about their identity and purpose.
  • Documentaries often emphasize themes of social justice, challenging viewers to think critically about the world.

Art

  • Visual art can express themes of nature and humanity's relationship with the environment.
  • Many artists use themes of struggle and resilience to depict historical events and social movements.
  • Abstract art frequently explores themes of perception and reality, inviting viewers to interpret meaning.

Psychology

  • Themes in stories can provide insight into human behavior, helping psychologists understand emotions and motivations.
  • Recurring themes in dreams can reveal personal conflicts or desires that individuals may not consciously acknowledge.
  • Identifying themes in therapy can help clients connect with their experiences and facilitate deeper understanding.

Education

  • Teachers often use thematic units to help students connect different subjects around a central idea, like community or technology.
  • Thematic learning fosters creativity, as students explore various perspectives related to a theme.
  • Studying themes can improve critical thinking skills, encouraging learners to draw connections across different disciplines.

Origin of 'themes'

The word 'themes' originated from the Greek word 'thematos', meaning 'proposition' or 'subject'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the main subjects or topics explored in various forms of art and literature. Themes play a crucial role in conveying messages, emotions, and ideas to the audience, making them an essential aspect of storytelling and communication.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,955, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.