topic

The word “topic” means a subject that is being discussed, written about, or thought about. In plain terms, what a conversation, essay, or discussion is actually about.

“Topic” is pronounced TO-pihk (/ˈtɑpɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “topic” used in a sentence: “Climate change was the main topic of the debate.”

“Topic” is a noun.

The word “topic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek topikós ("pertaining to a place or a common theme"), via Latin topica.

“Topic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

A subject is a broad field, like history or music. A topic is a narrower point within it that you actually discuss or write about — for example, 'jazz in the 1920s.' In short, a topic is a specific slice of a larger subject.

A topic is what a piece of writing is literally about — its subject on the surface, such as war. A theme is the deeper idea or message it explores, such as the futility of conflict. The topic is stated; the theme is what the work suggests about it.

A topic sentence is the sentence, usually at the start of a paragraph, that states its main idea. The rest of the paragraph then supports or develops that point. It signals to the reader what the paragraph will be about, keeping the writing focused and clear.