thematic

[thee-mat-ik]

adjective

1. of or relating to a theme.

2. Grammar.

   1. (of a word or words) of, relating to, or producing a theme or themes.

   2. (of a vowel) pertaining to the theme or stem: the thematic vowel ends the stem and precedes the inflectional ending of a word form, as i in Latin audiō “I hear.”

thematic

/ θɪˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting of a theme or themes

2. linguistics denoting a word that is the theme of a sentence

3. grammar

   1. denoting a vowel or other sound or sequence of sounds that occurs between the root of a word and any inflectional or derivational suffixes

   2. of or relating to the stem or root of a word

noun

1. grammar a thematic vowel

   ``-o-'' is a thematic in the combining form ``psycho-''

Other Word Forms

• thematically adverb
• nonthematic adjective
• nonthematically adverb
• unthematic adjective
• unthematically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of thematic¹

1690–1700; < Greek thematikós, equivalent to themat- (stem of théma theme ) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

There’s a lot of thematic overlap in the three specials, but in this one you really take it to a more vulnerable place.

From Los Angeles Times

It uses a conventional documentary approach, yet it also boasts artfully thematic touches too.

From Los Angeles Times

Wright directed the first three episodes, setting the visual and thematic tone for the series, while Andrea Harkin took on the latter three.

From Los Angeles Times

“All families are concerned with what happens next,” Fellowes says of the story’s thematic undercurrent.

From Los Angeles Times

In “Last Rites,” the thematic metaphor for seeing is the mirror itself, suggesting that we need to look at the darkest, most terrifying parts of ourselves and not shut them out.

From Los Angeles Times