Topic Meaning
Topic Definition & Usage
A subject or matter discussed, studied, or written about.
Examples
- "The main topic of today's meeting is the new marketing strategy."
- "Her favorite topic to talk about is science fiction."
- "The debate covered a wide range of topics, including climate change and artificial intelligence."
- "The professor asked the students to choose a topic for their research papers."
- "Politics has become a sensitive topic in many households."
A concept or subject in discourse or a conversation, often the main focus of the communication.
Examples
- "In this conversation, the topic shifted from the weather to politics."
- "The interviewer asked her about her research topic."
- "The lecture was divided into several topics, each focusing on a different aspect of history."
- "We need to narrow down the topic of our presentation before the deadline."
- "The topic of the conference was the future of artificial intelligence."
Cultural Context
The term 'topic' has ancient roots, originating from the Greek word 'topos,' meaning place. Over time, its meaning extended from a specific place or region to refer to a subject or matter being discussed. In modern English, it is widely used in both academic and casual settings to denote the subject of a conversation, article, study, or presentation.
The Uncharted Topic
Story
The Uncharted Topic
In a small town tucked away between rolling hills, a group of students gathered in the university’s old library to begin their final project. The task was simple: select a topic that resonated with them, and present it to the class. However, the students soon found themselves in a heated debate about what constituted an interesting 'topic.' Maria, the group leader, suggested they focus on climate change. ‘It’s a topic everyone is talking about,’ she said. ‘We’ll have plenty of research material.’ But James, an enthusiastic techie, disagreed. ‘Climate change is too broad. We need something more specific. How about the role of artificial intelligence in combating global warming? That’s a topic that brings technology into the conversation.’ As the discussion continued, different ideas for a ‘topic’ emerged. Sophie, a passionate writer, argued for a focus on literature. ‘A topic like the influence of dystopian novels on modern political thought could be really engaging. We can tie it to current events,’ she suggested. The group grew frustrated, unable to decide on a single ‘topic.’ Each person seemed to have a different vision of what made a compelling subject to explore. But as the clock ticked down, they finally settled on a topic that everyone could agree on: the intersection of technology, environment, and literature. It was a unique blend of their diverse interests, a perfect reflection of the multidisciplinary nature of their academic environment. The project turned out to be a success, and as they presented their findings to the class, each student reflected on how the ‘topic’ they chose allowed them to explore different aspects of their own passions. In the end, the group realized that a 'topic' was not just a simple subject to be researched. It was a place where different ideas collided and created new conversations—a space where every person's voice could be heard. The true value of a topic lay not just in what was studied but in how it brought people together, sparking new ideas and connections. As they sat in the library, Maria turned to her friends. 'You know,' she said, 'sometimes the best topics are the ones we haven’t even thought of yet.'