What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thema
Example
The theme of the novel is the struggle for justice in an unjust society. [theme: noun]
Example
The filmmaker used the theme of redemption to tie together the various storylines in the movie. [theme: noun]
topic
Example
The topic of the lecture was the history of ancient Rome. [topic: noun]
Example
I am researching different topics related to climate change for my term paper. [topics: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Topic is more commonly used than thema in everyday language. Topic is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while thema is more specific and is primarily used in academic or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between thema and topic?
Thema is typically associated with a more formal and intellectual tone, while topic can be used in both formal and informal contexts.