/ˈtoʊpɔɪ/ TOH-poy

Definitions

1. noun

A recurrent theme or subject in a work of art or literature, often used as a rhetorical device to engage the audience.

“The novel’s exploration of love and loss is a common topos in 19th-century literature.”

2. noun

A topic or subject that is commonly discussed or debated, often in a particular field or discipline.

“The topos of climate change has been a major topic of discussion in environmental science.”

3. noun

A common or stock theme or idea, often used in argumentation or rhetoric.

“The politician’s speech relied heavily on familiar topoi from traditional morality.”