theme

noun \ˈthēm\

: the main subject that is being discussed or described in a piece of writing, a movie, etc.

: a particular subject or issue that is discussed often or repeatedly

: the particular subject or idea on which the style of something (such as a party or room) is based

Full Definition of THEME

a : a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation <guilt and punishment is the theme of the story>

b : a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern <the campaign has lacked a theme>

: stem 4

: a written exercise : composition <a research theme>

: a melodic subject of a musical composition or movement

— themed \ˈthēmd\ adjective

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Examples of THEME

If one theme unites his scholarship it is that the Old South cannot be viewed as a monolith. —Eric Foner, New York Times Book Review, 8 Apr. 2007
One reiterated theme of his book is that the electoral process can be the most dangerous of delusions, tending to confer a spurious legitimacy on those most willing to corrupt it. —Hilary Mantel, New York Review, 21 Sept. 2006
The Eve of biblical legend was a temptress, thus initiating a lamentable theme in the history of sexism. —Stephen Jay Gould, Discover, July 1992
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Origin of THEME

Middle English teme, theme, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin thema, from Greek, literally, something laid down, from tithenai to place — more at do

First Known Use: 14th century