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theme

theme [ theem ]


noun  (plural themes)
Definition:
 
1. subject of discussion or composition: the subject of a discourse, discussion, piece of writing, or artistic composition

2. distinct and unifying idea: a distinct, recurring, and unifying quality or idea
Efficiency will be the theme of this organization.

3. repeated melody: a melody that is repeated, often with variations, throughout a piece of music
one of the themes of the concerto

4. music in film: a song or tune that is played at the beginning or end of, or during, a movie or television program and is identified with it
the theme from "The Magnificent Seven"

5. essay or written exercise: a short essay or written exercise for a student

6. grammar 
Same as  stem1n (sense 6)




adjective 
Definition:
 
with distinct subject: with one distinct and recurring subject, principle, or idea
We ate at a Wild West theme restaurant.



transitive verb  (past and past participle themed, present participle them·ing, 3rd person present singular themes)
Definition:
 
give something distinct character: to give something a single distinct character or subject
The local bar has been themed as an Irish pub.

[13th century. Via Old French and Latin< Greek thema "proposition"]

Word Usage

Like some other verbs formed from nouns that have undergone "functional shift," theme has not gained wide acceptance (it is associated with the jargon of commerce and popular culture). It is best, therefore, to avoid sentences like these: She worked hard to theme her valedictory speech.The party was themed as a Renaissance ball. Acceptable alternatives are: She worked hard to develop the theme of her valedictory speech.The party theme was a Renaissance ball. Similarly, it is advisable to avoid using the adjective themed alone or in combination with other words, as in a baroque-themed concert, where a concert with a baroque theme is the safer choice.


Word Key: Synonyms

See subject.

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