topic

Pronunciation: /ˈtɒpɪk/

noun

Difficulty: common

Definition of topic

A subject or matter chosen for discussion, analysis, or representation in speech, writing, or thought.

Origin of topic

Language of origin: Greek

Root word: topos

Original meaning: place

How it evolved: The word evolved from referring to a specific 'place' in rhetoric to broadly indicating the subject or focus of a conversation or writing.

Derived from the Greek word 'topos,' meaning 'place,' the term originally referred to a specific place in argument or discourse.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember topic

Think of 'topic' as the 'top pick' for discussion or focus—what everyone is talking about!

Synonyms for topic

Antonyms of topic

topic in a Sentence

  1. The professor introduced the topic of existential philosophy, igniting a spirited debate among the students.
  2. Her dissertation delves deeply into the topic of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications.
  3. During the meeting, the CEO steered the discussion back to the main topic of quarterly revenue projections.

topic in Literature & Culture

The term 'topic' is frequently referenced in literature, speeches, and academic discourse to highlight the central focus of discussion, such as in famous speeches like Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream,' which revolves around the topic of racial equality.

Usage Notes

While 'topic' is commonly used to refer to subjects of discussion, avoid confusing it with 'theme,' which often implies an overarching idea or motif, particularly in literature or art.

Why topic Matters for GRE & SAT

GRE questions often assess a test-taker's ability to identify the central topic of a passage, making it essential to recognize this word and its synonyms in context.

Word Family

topical (adjective)
Relating to current events or subjects of immediate relevance.
topically (adverb)
In a manner relating to a specific subject or current affairs.
topicity (noun)
The state or quality of being topical or subject-oriented.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'topic' was first used in medieval rhetoric as a term for organizing arguments based on specific places or categories.
  • In ancient Greek philosophy, 'topos' referred to a 'commonplace'—a shared idea or argument used repeatedly in public discourse.
  • The word has evolved to be universally applicable, from casual conversations to academic research papers.
  • discourse
  • theme
  • tacit — implied without being directly expressed
  • 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 — implied without being directly expressed
  • tacit — implied without being directly expressed
  • tacit — Understood or implied without being stated
  • 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

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