theme

An idea or subject that appears throughout a story, discussion, or other work.

• Love is the main theme of the film.
• The discussion returned to the theme of fairness.
• Several paintings share a theme of childhood memories.

How to use it: the theme of something (Friendship is the main theme of the story.)

Similar words: subject, topic, motif

Common phrases: main theme, theme of something, recurring theme, central theme

A basic idea that appears in several different forms or examples.

• These designs are variations on a theme.
• Each plan offers a different version of the same theme.
• The recipes share a familiar theme: simple ingredients used creatively.

Similar words: concept, motif

Common phrases: variations on a theme, common theme, familiar theme

To plan or decorate something around one main idea or subject.

• We themed the party around dinosaurs.
• She themes each dinner around a different country.
• The hotel has themed its rooms to famous films.

How to use it: theme something around something (They themed the party around jungle animals.); theme something to something (The rooms were themed to different historical periods.)

Common phrases: theme something around something, theme a party, theme an event