Meaning of 'theme'

noun

a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work

Example: "It was the usual love story theme."

Synonyms: motif

noun

(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed

Synonyms: stem

noun

an essay (especially one written as an assignment)

Synonyms: composition

noun

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

Synonyms: subject

noun

(music) melodic subject of a musical composition

Example: "the theme is announced in the first measures"

Synonyms: idea

verb

provide with a particular theme or motive

Example: "the restaurant often themes its menus"