Theme — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈthēm/

Meaning & Definition of Theme

Theme (noun)

  1. a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation
  2. a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern
  3. the particular subject or idea on which the style of something is based

Theme (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)

    "this dance piece deals with the timeless themes of birth and death"

    similar: content, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, topic
    related: subject matter, talking point, count, idea, point, purpose, consideration, issue, problem, body, bulk, burden, centerpiece, core, crux, essence, fundamental, generality, gist, grist, heart, kernel, keynote, main, marrow, mass, net, nub, nubbin, nucleus, pith, pivot, purport, quick, staple, substance, sum, basis, bottom, essential, essentiality, affair, argument, debate
    near: aside, digression, excursion, interjection, parenthesis, tangent

  2. a short piece of writing done as a school exercise

    "please write a one page theme on the main character of this book"

    similar: composition, paper
    related: article, essay, story

  3. a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view

    "the magazine will award a scholarship to the student who writes the best theme on the concept of personal freedom"

    similar: article, composition, essay, paper
    related: causerie, column, commentary, editorial, feature, report, review, write-up, dissertation, thesis, tract, treatise, discourse, discussion, exposition, prolegomenon, study

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Theme

The most common words with a similar meaning to Theme:

content, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, topic, composition, paper, article, essay

Related Words for Theme

subject matter, talking point, count, idea, point, purpose, consideration, issue, problem, body, bulk, burden, centerpiece, core, crux, essence, fundamental, generality, gist, grist, heart, kernel, keynote, main, marrow, mass, net, nub, nubbin, nucleus

Near Antonyms of Theme

aside, digression, excursion, interjection, parenthesis, tangent

Word Forms of Theme

Derived words: themed (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Theme

Middle English teme, theme, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin thema, from Greek, literally, something laid down, from tithenai to place do

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Theme

Words & Phrases Containing Theme

theme park, theme song, subtheme

Frequently Asked Questions about Theme

What does "Theme" mean?

"Theme" means a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation. As a noun, it is defined as: a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Theme"?

Other words for "Theme" include content, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, topic and composition. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Theme" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Theme"?

There are 73 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Theme". Common alternatives include content, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, topic, composition, paper and article.

How do you use "Theme" in a sentence?

Examples of "Theme" in a sentence: "this dance piece deals with the timeless themes of birth and death"; "please write a one page theme on the main character of this book"; "the magazine will award a scholarship to the student who writes the best theme on the concept of personal freedom".

Is "Theme" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Theme" is a noun.

Is "Theme" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Theme" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Theme"?

"Theme" is pronounced /ˈthēm/.

What is the origin of the word "Theme"?

"Theme" comes from Middle English teme, theme, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin thema, from Greek, literally, something laid down, from tithenai to place do. First known use: 14th century.