I. ˈthēm noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English teme, theme, from Old French & Latin; Old French teme, from Latin thema, from Greek, literally, something laid down, that which is laid down, from tithenai to place, set, lay down — more at do
1.
a. : a subject or topic on which one speaks or writes
theme of rags to riches
economic themes
b. : a proposition for discussion or argument
stressed the theme of equal rights for all
c. : a subject of fictional or artistic representation
waterfalls are from very early times a favorite theme for the painter — Laurence Binyon
guilt and its punishment is the constant theme of the dramas of Aeschylus — G.L.Dickinson
d. : an idea, ideal, or orienting principle that is dominant or persistent in a popular or tribal culture and often effective in controlling and activating belief and conduct in a specific direction — compare ethos , gestalt
2. : stem 4a
3. : a written exercise required of a student commonly at frequent regular intervals in a composition course
weekly theme
research theme
4.
a. : a melodic subject of a musical composition or movement
b. : a short melody constituting the basis of variation, development, or other repetition with modification
c. : a visual motif or figure that forms by repetition, contrast, or variation a component of design in any of the graphic or plastic arts
5. : horoscope
6. : an administrative division of the Byzantine Empire
7. : signature 9
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to give a topic, subject, or text to : furnish with or direct toward a theme — used chiefly in past part.
themed to making things out of wood, the book is written in clear, simple terms — Toys and Novelties
III. ˈthēm adjective
Etymology: theme (I)
: having an often elaborate decor based on a central theme
a theme restaurant
also : featuring activities based on a central theme
a theme cruise