theme

Everyday

1. A theme is the main subject or idea of a talk, book, lesson, party or piece of art. tree →
2. A theme is a big message or lesson a story is about, such as friendship, courage or kindness. tree →
3. A theme tune or theme song is the music always played with a TV show or film. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons, pupils find the theme of a story: not what happens (the plot) but what it is really about, like «good wins over evil» or «be yourself». At school, topics can have themes (a space-themed week). In everyday life, theme parks (Disneyland), themed birthday parties and theme songs. Phrases: the theme of, main theme, theme park, theme tune, themed party.

Examples

• The theme of the story is friendship. tree →
• Our class party had a pirate theme. tree →
• We went on the big rides at the theme park. tree →
• I can hum the theme tune of that show. tree →
• Courage is a theme in many fairy tales. tree →
• The theme for this term's art project is the sea. tree →
• What do you think is the main theme of the poem? tree →
• Thus ends this charming story, which was a favourite theme with all the classic authors. tree →

Note

Pronounced «theem» with soft th. Countable: themes. Trap: theme is not the same as plot — the plot is what happens, the theme is the idea underneath. Adjective: thematic; «themed» means decorated around a theme.