theme

Pronunciation: THEEM

noun

Definition of theme

A subject or topic of discussion or artistic representation

Synonyms for theme

theme in a Sentence

  1. The central theme of the novel is the conflict between tradition and progress.

Why theme Matters for GRE & SAT

"theme" is a noun that means "A subject or topic of discussion or artistic representation" closely related to words like "subject", "topic", "motif". As a word starting with T, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "theme" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "theme" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (noun). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "theme" into long-term memory.

How to Remember theme

One effective way to remember "theme" (noun) is to group it with similar words you already know: "subject" and "topic" and "motif". When you encounter "theme" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "A subject or topic of discussion or artistic representation".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "theme" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

  • tacit — Understood or implied without being stated
  • taciturn — of few words; speaking little
  • tact — skill in handling difficult situations without causing offense
  • tangential — only superficially relevant
  • tangible — capable of being touched; real or actual

More Vocabulary Words Starting with T

  • tacit — Understood or implied without being stated
  • tacit — implied without being directly expressed
  • tacit — implied without being directly expressed
  • taciturn — of few words; speaking little
  • taciturn — of few words; speaking little
  • tact — skill in handling difficult situations without causing offense
  • tact — skill in handling difficult situations without causing offense
  • tangential — only superficially relevant
  • tangential — only superficially relevant
  • tangible — capable of being touched; real or actual