释义 |
theme I. \ˈthēm\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English teme, theme, from Old French & Latin; Old French teme, from Latin thema, from Greek, literally, something laid down, that which is laid down, from tithenai to place, set, lay down — more at do 1. a. : a subject or topic on which one speaks or writes < theme of rags to riches > < economic themes > b. : a proposition for discussion or argument < stressed the theme of equal rights for all > c. : a subject of fictional or artistic representation < waterfalls are from very early times a favorite theme for the painter — Laurence Binyon > < guilt and its punishment is the constant theme of the dramas of Aeschylus — G.L.Dickinson > d. : an idea, ideal, or orienting principle that is dominant or persistent in a popular or tribal culture and often effective in controlling and activating belief and conduct in a specific direction — compare ethos, gestalt 2. : stem 4a 3. : a written exercise required of a student commonly at frequent regular intervals in a composition course < weekly theme > < research theme > 4. a. : a melodic subject of a musical composition or movement b. : a short melody constituting the basis of variation, development, or other repetition with modification c. : a visual motif or figure that forms by repetition, contrast, or variation a component of design in any of the graphic or plastic arts 5. : horoscope 6. : an administrative division of the Byzantine Empire 7. : signature 9 II. transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) : to give a topic, subject, or text to : furnish with or direct toward a theme — used chiefly in past part. < themed to making things out of wood, the book is written in clear, simple terms — Toys and Novelties > III. \ˈthēm\ adjective Etymology: theme (I) : having an often elaborate decor based on a central theme < a theme restaurant > also : featuring activities based on a central theme < a theme cruise > |