topic
A topic is a specific subject that is being discussed, written about, or studied. It serves as the central focus or theme of a conversation, book, or academic paper.
Examples
3 of 5What's the topic of today's meeting?
What are we planning to discuss in our meeting today?
The committee addressed several sensitive topics during the hearing.
The group talked about several difficult subjects during the official meeting.
Don't bring up that topic again; it's a bit of a sore spot.
Please don't mention that subject again because it makes me uncomfortable.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Top'ic as being at the 'Top' of your notes or the main thing 'on top' of your mind during a talk.
Quick Quiz
The _______ of the lecture was the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
Correct!
The correct answer is: topic
Examples
What's the topic of today's meeting?
everydayWhat are we planning to discuss in our meeting today?
The committee addressed several sensitive topics during the hearing.
formalThe group talked about several difficult subjects during the official meeting.
Don't bring up that topic again; it's a bit of a sore spot.
informalPlease don't mention that subject again because it makes me uncomfortable.
Choosing a research topic is the first step in writing a thesis.
academicDeciding on a specific subject to study is the beginning of writing a major paper.
We need to stay on topic to finish this presentation on time.
businessWe must keep talking about the main point so we can finish the presentation quickly.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
change the topic
to start talking about something different
a wide range of topics
a large variety of different subjects
broach a topic
to introduce a difficult or sensitive subject for discussion
Often Confused With
A subject is often a broad field of study (like History), while a topic is a specific area within that field (like the French Revolution).
Usage Notes
The word is widely used in both academic and casual contexts to define the scope of communication. In TOEFL exams, 'topic' often refers to the 'topic sentence' or the 'main idea' of a passage.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'topic' when they mean 'title'. Remember that a title is the name of a work, while the topic is what the work is actually about.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Top'ic as being at the 'Top' of your notes or the main thing 'on top' of your mind during a talk.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek word 'topos', which means 'place' or 'location'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, certain topics like money, religion, or politics are considered 'taboo' or inappropriate for small talk.
Quick Quiz
The _______ of the lecture was the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
Correct!
The correct answer is: topic
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
A thesis is a long piece of writing based on original resear...
focusTo give special attention or effort to one particular person...
agendaA list of items to be discussed or acted upon during a meeti...
debateDescribing a topic, statement, or decision that is open to d...
discussionA conversation or debate about a specific topic where people...
Related Words
ready
A2To be fully prepared for an action or an event. It describes a state where everything is set so that something can happen immediately without delay.
simple
A2Something that is easy to understand, do, or use because it is not complicated. It can also describe something that is plain and basic in style, without extra decoration.
physical
A2Relating to the body rather than the mind or feelings. It also describes things that exist in the real world and can be seen or touched.
general
A2Describing something that affects most people or things rather than being specific to one. It is also used to describe a broad understanding of a topic without focusing on small details.
environmental
A2Relating to the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. It is often used to describe things that involve protecting nature from damage caused by humans.
medical
A2Relating to the science of medicine and the treatment of injuries or diseases. It is used to describe things connected to doctors, nurses, and the healthcare system.
traditional
A2Following or belonging to the customs and beliefs that have been part of a group of people or a society for a long time. It describes practices that are done in the same way they have been done in the past rather than using new or modern methods.
private
A2Describes something that belongs to a specific person or group and is not for public use. It also refers to a place or conversation where others are not allowed to listen or watch.
difficult
A2Something that is hard to do, understand, or deal with because it requires a lot of effort or skill. It can also describe a person who is not easy to please or work with.
religious
A2Describes someone who has a strong belief in a god or a group of gods and follows the practices of a religion. It can also refer to things that are connected with or related to a particular religion.
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