topic

[top-ik]

noun

1. a subject of conversation or discussion.

   to provide a topic for discussion.

2. the subject or theme of a discourse or of one of its parts.

   Synonyms: subject matter, thesis

3. Rhetoric, Logic.,  a general field of considerations from which arguments can be drawn.

4. Also called theme. Linguistics.,  the part of a sentence that announces the item about which the rest of the sentence communicates information, often signaled by initial position in the sentence or by a grammatical marker.

topic

/ ˈtɒpɪk /

noun

1. a subject or theme of a speech, essay, book, etc

2. a subject of conversation; item of discussion

3. (in rhetoric, logic, etc) a category or class of arguments or ideas which may be drawn on to furnish proofs

Word History and Origins

Origin of topic¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin topica (plural), from Greek (tà) topiká name of work by Aristotle (literally, “(things) pertaining to commonplaces),” equivalent to tóp(os) “commonplace” + -ika, neuter plural of -ikos -ic; topo-

Word History and Origins

Origin of topic¹

C16: from Latin topica translating Greek ta topika, literally: matters relating to commonplaces, title of a treatise by Aristotle, from topoi, pl of topos place, commonplace

Synonym Study

See subject.

Example Sentences

When broaching this topic, don’t ask what seems fair, said Nashira Lynton, a financial therapist and founder of Renewed Wealth Therapy.

Read more on MarketWatch

“And we can put this … ugly conversation behind us. Move on to lighter topics.”

Read more on Literature

They had been ordered with terrifying strictness to say not one word about Veronika’s letter or any other topic until their mother decided the moment was right to spring the news on the captain.

Read more on Literature

Miss Mortimer spoke quietly and evenly, as if planning how to hide from one’s enemies was a usual topic of conversation one might have after breakfast.

Read more on Literature

“I believe Lady Constance meant that as a rhetorical question,” Penelope interjected, but the children’s enthusiasm for the topic had already taken over.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• affair 
• argument 
• business 
• case 
• field 
• issue 
• material 
• matter 
• point 
• problem 
• proposition 
• question 
• subject 
• theme