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subtheme

subtheme

1 5.0
A smaller idea that adds to a main topic
  • noun
  • /ˈsʌbˌθim/
translation icon : subtema
  • Each theme has two to four subthemes that are represented in the data.
  • theme and subthemes
  • two subthemes
  • subthemes emerged

Examples

  • There was a range of subthemes contained within the broader theme of barriers to morphine availability.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Each theme has three subthemes, which represent the larger categories used in the analysis.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The report on this subtheme concentrated on a number of major points.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The desire to enhance the lives of others was a subtheme relating to meaningful work.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Making friends and acquiring a sense of community were also subthemes under social development.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Each theme includes several subthemes focused on specific kinds of behaviors.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Each first-order theme had associated subthemes, which are described below.

    Academic text (2015)
  • The emotional level included two subthemes: emotional awareness and coping strategies.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The three themes and subsequent subthemes will be defined and articulated in the following paragraphs.

    Academic text (2014)
  • The research paper included several subthemes that supported the main argument.

Synonyms

strand
vssubtheme
36 5.5

A separate part of a story or plan

is specifically a supporting or secondary idea within the larger main idea
motif
vssubtheme
  • Literature
20 5.9

A theme or idea that appears again and again in stories, paintings and music

serves as a supporting secondary idea that may not recur frequently
subtopic
vssubtheme
1 3.8

A smaller, more specific part of a larger topic

focuses on a supporting idea rather than a smaller subject part

How Central

main concept
1 3.4
theme
677 2.8
subtheme
1 5.0
tangential
7 8.1

Surface Forms

subtheme singular
subthemes plural

Morphology

subtheme = theme (transparent) = sub + theme

The meaning is directly derived from 'theme' with the prefix 'sub-' indicating a secondary or supporting role.

Etymology

Subtheme comes from sub- 'under' and theme 'main idea'. So a subtheme is like a smaller idea that sits 'under' the main story and adds extra meaning.