theme

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A central idea or message that a piece of writing, art, or discussion explores.

   Grammar: Countable: a theme, several themes; it names the underlying idea rather than the surface topic.

   Patterns

   • the theme of something
   • explore a theme
   • a central/main/recurring theme

   The theme of the novel is forgiveness after betrayal.

   Students discussed how the film develops the theme of ambition.

   A recurring theme in her poems is the search for home.

2. 2nouncountable

   A subject or topic that connects events, materials, or parts of a design.

   Grammar: Also countable, but it emphasizes a connecting subject rather than a message: the theme of the conference.

   Patterns

   • under the theme of something
   • a common theme across things
   • decorate with a theme

   This year's festival has the theme of water and memory.

   The report found a common theme across the interviews.

   The restaurant uses a beach theme without feeling silly.

3. 3nouncountablemusic

   A short melody that is repeated or developed in a piece of music.

   Grammar: Countable in music; it refers to a tune, not an idea stated in words.

   Patterns

   • a musical theme
   • state a theme
   • a theme and variations

   The symphony opens with a quiet theme on the strings.

   Listeners can follow the main theme as it moves between instruments.

   The composer wrote a theme and variations for piano.

Word forms

Common combinations

central theme

The central theme is stated in the first chapter and echoed at the end.

recurring theme

Debt is a recurring theme in the interviews.

explore a theme

The play explores the theme of power within families.

theme park

The family spent the day at a theme park near the coast.

theme music

I recognized the show from its theme music.

Synonyms and how they differ

topic

Topic is the surface subject being discussed; theme is the deeper idea a work develops about that subject.

subject

Subject is broad and neutral; theme suggests an idea carried through and given shape.

motif

Motif is a repeated image, phrase, or musical figure; theme is larger and more central.

Word family

thematic adjective

Relating to a theme or organized around themes.

thematically adverb

In a way connected with a theme or set of themes.

themed adjective

Designed around a particular subject or style.

Commonly confused: theme or thesis?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “theme”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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