Theme
THEEM
/θiːm/
The subject or main idea of a talk, book, movie, or event.
For events, a theme provides a unifying concept that guides decorations, music, and sometimes attire.
The story behind the word. The word 'theme' comes from the Greek word 'thema,' meaning 'a proposition,' 'a subject,' or 'that which is laid down.' It entered English through Latin and Old French. Originally, it referred to a subject for discussion or a topic in rhetoric. Its meaning expanded over time to include the main idea in art, music, and literature, and eventually, the unifying concept for an event or party.
Word relationships
- Motif: Often a recurring decorative design or pattern, or a dominant idea in a work of art.
- Subject: More general, can be any topic; 'theme' implies a deeper, underlying idea.
- Topic: A specific subject of discussion or study.
Word family
- thematic (adjective): relating to a theme
Collocations
- central theme
- common theme
- prom theme
- wedding theme
- develop a theme
Example sentences
- "The prom committee decided on a 'Hollywood Glamour' theme, encouraging guests to dress like movie stars." Planning an event.
- "A recurring theme in her novels is the struggle between tradition and modernity." Discussing literature.
- "The interior designer chose a rustic farmhouse theme for the kitchen renovation." In a creative context.
Memory hook
The THEME is the 'main idea' that ties everything together, like a 'THEM-atic' song. Main idea
When not to use
Avoid using 'theme' when simply referring to a general topic without a central, unifying idea.
Fun facts
- In music, a 'theme' is a recognizable melody that is often repeated and developed throughout a composition.
Related words
Also appears in
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