Meaning of topic in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈtɑpɪk/

   US accent

   How to pronounce topic in American English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

   UK accent

   How to pronounce topic in British English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

1. Noun

   topic

   Etymology

   late 15th century (originally denoting a set or book of general rules or ideas): from Latin topica, from Greek ta topika, literally ‘matters concerning commonplaces’ (the title of a treatise by Aristotle), from topos‘a place’

   Definitions

   1. the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

   Examples

   • « he didn't want to discuss that subject »
   • « it was a very sensitive topic »
   • « his letters were always on the theme of love »
2. 2. some situation or event that is thought about

   Examples

   • « he kept drifting off the topic »
   • « he had been thinking about the subject for several years »
   • « it is a matter for the police »