TOPOS Definition & Meaning

topos

[ toh-pohs, ‑p�ǲ� ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural topoi

a convention or motif, especially in a literary work; a rhetorical convention.

topos

/ ˈ��ɒ��ɒ�� /

noun

a basic theme or concept, esp a stock topic in rhetoric

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of topos¹

First recorded in 1935–40; from Greek (koinós) tópos “(common) place”; topic ( def )

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of topos¹

C20: Greek, literally: place

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The disavowal is more likely an example of a “modesty topos,” as a woman in the sixteenth century who published original work would have been considered immoral.

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Mexico’s acclaimed searchers, known as topos, or moles, were picking up their gear and leaving the scene.

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The workers — specialists known in Mexico as topos, or moles — have drilled a tunnel to gain access to the interior.

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The “topics”—topoi in the Greek— are, literally, places.

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The national disdain of the “intellectual” is a frequent topos in my writing.

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