topic
topic
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "topic" is /ˈtɒp.ɪk/.
/ˈtɒp/
/ɪk/
Word Form Variations
Noun: topic (singular), topics (plural)
Adjective: topical (derived adjective, meaning "of current interest" or "relating to a topic")
Verb: topicalize (derived verb, meaning "to make something a topic")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The subject of a discourse, discussion, composition, or conversation.
Synonyms: subject, theme, issue, matter, theme, subject matter, point
Antonyms: irrelevance, digression, tangent, aside, non-topic
Definition 2: A subject or issue that is being discussed or dealt with in a particular context, often representing a distinct category.
Synonyms: category, subject area, field, domain, sphere
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to a classification)
Definition 3: (Grammar/Linguistics) The part of a sentence or discourse about which information is given; the known or old information in a sentence.
Synonyms: theme, given information
Antonyms: comment, new information (as contrasting grammatical roles)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The author delved into the complex topic of quantum entanglement, explaining it in accessible language." (From a popular science book)
"The research paper explored the controversial topic of climate change skepticism and its sociological roots." (From an academic journal or textbook)
"Each chapter of the novel addressed a different social topic, from poverty to injustice, through the characters' experiences." (Fictional example from a social commentary novel)
Newspapers:
"President Ruto's address focused on the urgent topic of economic recovery and job creation." ("Daily Nation,")
"The parliamentary debate became heated as members discussed the contentious topic of land reforms." ("The Standard,")
"Our new series will cover a range of current affairs topics, providing in-depth analysis." ("The East African,")
Online Publications:
"Our forum allows users to post questions and discuss various topics related to web development." (A feature on a tech forum, e.g., Stack Overflow)
"The ultimate guide to blog topic ideas: Never run out of content inspiration again!" (An article on a content marketing blog, e.g., HubSpot)
"The recent surge in AI development has become a dominant topic of discussion in tech circles." (A news analysis on "TechCrunch,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "We need to talk about Kevin." (Film title, 2011) - This implies a difficult "topic" of conversation.
Television Series: "For your next debate, you will discuss the topic of ethical artificial intelligence." (Instructions on a debate competition show)
Song Lyrics: "I'm sick of talking about the same old topics, let's find something new to say." (From a pop song expressing boredom with routine conversations)
Video Games: "Choose your discussion topic with the NPC to learn more about the world lore." (In-game interaction prompt, e.g., Mass Effect)
Podcasts: "In today's episode, we explore the fascinating topic of ancient astronaut theories." (A podcast host introducing a segment, e.g., Lore)
General Public Discourse:
"What's the topic of your presentation today?" (A common question in academic or professional settings)
"Can we change the topic? I'm getting tired of talking about politics." (A common request during a conversation)
"His favorite topic of conversation is cars." (Describing someone's interests)
"Let's stick to the topic at hand, please." (A common request to maintain focus in a discussion)
"That's a very sensitive topic for him." (Describing a subject that causes discomfort)
10 Quotes Using Topic
"The unexamined life is not worth living." (Socrates, as quoted by Plato in Apology) - This implies that self-examination is a crucial "topic" of life.
"What gets measured gets managed." (Peter Drucker) - This suggests that a measured element becomes a "topic" of management.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." (Martin Luther King Jr., "I Have a Dream" speech, August 28, 1963) - Racial equality is a central "topic" of this speech.
"If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday." (Pearl S. Buck) - This suggests history as a key "topic" for understanding the present.
"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." (Frank Zappa) - This relates to being open to new ideas and "topics."
"Let's change the topic." (Common phrase in conversation, widely used)
"To err is human, to forgive divine." (Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism, 1711) - Error and forgiveness are eternal "topics."
"My favorite topic is you." (Lesser-known, but often found in romantic or appreciative contexts)
"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said." (Peter Drucker) - This refers to understanding the unspoken "topic."
"The topic of conversation quickly shifted to the weather." (Original quote, reflecting a common conversational transition)
Etymology
The word "topic" has a clear origin from ancient Greek, through Latin and French.
It comes from the Old French word topique.
This Old French word, in turn, came from the Latin word topicus.
The Latin word topicus originated from the Ancient Greek word topikos (τοπικός).
In Greek, topikos meant "of or pertaining to a place" or "local." It was related to topos (τόπος), meaning "place."
In the context of rhetoric (the art of persuasive speaking or writing), topikos referred to "commonplace arguments" or "places of argument" – essentially, common themes or subjects that speakers could draw from. Think of it as a "place" where arguments reside.
So, when "topic" first entered the English language, in the late 14th century (around 1380), its initial meaning was closely tied to this rhetorical sense: "a general head or subject of argument; a common theme." It was literally a "place" (or heading) where ideas or arguments could be found.
Over time, it broadened to its more general modern meaning of "the subject of a discourse or conversation" that we use today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Topic
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "topic":
Hot topic: A subject that is currently very popular or controversial.
Off-topic: Not relevant to the main subject being discussed.
On topic: Relevant to the main subject being discussed.
To change the topic/subject: To shift the focus of a conversation to something different.
To stick to the topic: To remain focused on the main subject of discussion.
Topic sentence: The sentence in a paragraph that states the main idea of the paragraph.
A talking point: A particular issue or subject that someone wants to discuss, often in a debate. (Synonym for a "topic" of discussion)
A recurring topic: A subject that comes up repeatedly in conversations or discussions.
The elephant in the room: A major obvious problem or controversial issue that no one wants to discuss. (A significant "topic" being avoided)
The subject at hand: The current matter or issue being dealt with. (Synonym for "the current topic")
To introduce a topic: To bring up a new subject for discussion.
A loaded topic: A subject that is emotionally charged or sensitive.
A fruitful topic: A subject that yields much useful discussion or insight. (Original, playing on productivity)
Beyond the scope of the topic: Outside the boundaries or relevance of the subject.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of topic from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
