theme

(noun) the subject matter of a conversation or discussion. Synonyms: subject, topic. Examples: "He didn't want to discuss that subject." "It was a very sensitive topic." "His letters were always on the theme of love."

(noun) a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work. Synonyms: motif. Examples: "It was the usual `boy gets girl' theme."

(noun) (music) melodic subject of a musical composition. Synonyms: melodic theme, musical theme, idea. Examples: "The theme is announced in the first measures." "The accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it."

(noun) an essay (especially one written as an assignment). Synonyms: composition, paper, report. Examples: "He got an a on his composition."

(noun) (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed. Synonyms: root, root word, base, stem, radical. Examples: "Thematic vowels are part of the stem."

(verb) provide with a particular theme or motive. Examples: "The restaurant often themes its menus."