Topic
/ˈtɑːpɪk/noun
A subject of discussion, writing, or study.
Did you know?In classical rhetoric, a *topos* was a “commonplace” or mental location for finding arguments, so speaking well was treated like navigating a hidden map of ideas.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
topikós
“pertaining to a place; local”
Late Greek
Greek
tópos
“place; location; common-place in rhetoric”
Late Latin
Latin
topicus
“pertaining to a place or subject”
14th Century
English
topik
“pertaining to a place; local”
16th Century
English
topic
“a subject for discussion or treatment”
Modern English
English
topic
“a subject of conversation, writing, or study”