Topic — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈtä-pik/ top·ic

Meaning & Definition of Topic

Topic (noun)

  1. the subject of a discourse or of a section of a discourse
  2. a heading in an outlined argument or exposition
  3. argument, reason

Topic (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "the topic of his poem is the love that is shown in quiet actions rather than expressed in words"

    similar: content, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, theme
    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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Topic

The most common words with a similar meaning to Topic:

content, matter, motif, motive, question, subject, theme

Related Words for Topic

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 Topic

aside, digression, excursion, interjection, parenthesis, tangent

Origin & Etymology of Topic

Latin Topica Topics (work by Aristotle), from Greek Topika, from topika, neuter plural of topikos of a place, of a topos, from topos place, topos

First known use: circa 1569

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Topic

Words & Phrases Containing Topic

topic sentence, topic of discussion, subtopic

Frequently Asked Questions about Topic

What does "Topic" mean?

"Topic" means the subject of a discourse or of a section of a discourse. As a noun, it is defined as: the subject of a discourse or of a section of a discourse.

What is another word for "Topic"?

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

What are different ways to say "Topic"?

There are 51 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Topic". Common alternatives include content, matter, motif, motive, question, subject and theme.

How do you use "Topic" in a sentence?

Examples of "Topic" in a sentence: "the topic of his poem is the love that is shown in quiet actions rather than expressed in words".

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

"Topic" is a noun.

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

As an A1-level word, "Topic" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+. 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 "Topic"?

"Topic" is pronounced /ˈtä-pik/ and divided into syllables as top·ic.

What is the origin of the word "Topic"?

"Topic" comes from Latin Topica Topics (work by Aristotle), from Greek Topika, from topika, neuter plural of topikos of a place, of a topos, from topos place, topos. First known use: circa 1569.