topicadj.n.

Brit.

/ˈtɒpɪk/, U.S.

/ˈtɑpɪk/

Forms: Also 1500s topicke, ( toopick), 1600s topike, topique, topyc, 1600s–1700s -ick.

Etymology: As adjective, < Greek τοπικός of or pertaining to τόπος a place (see -ic suffix); local, or concerning τόποι commonplaces. As noun, < Latin topica, < Greek τοπικά adjective neuter plural, in τὰ τοπικά, title of a work of Aristotle, lit. matters concerning τόποι commonplaces. The use of τόπος ‘place’ for a class of considerations which would serve as a ‘place’ in which a rhetorician might look for suggestions in treating his theme, goes back to Isocrates. By Aristotle τόπος was especially appropriated to classes of considerations of a general character, common to many kinds of subjects, the use of which was open to any one dealing with his subject as a rhetorician or dialectician, not with special knowledge, with a view to scientific demonstration. Such were more fully described as κοινοὶ τόποι , loci communes , commonplace n.² Aristotle's treatise on probable (as distinguished fromdemonstrative) reasoning, which started from such general considerations and dispensed with special knowledge, was referred to as τὰ τοπικά; and such general considerations and arguments based thereon as were treated of in that work were called topic axioms, rules, or maxims, topic arguments, or simply topics; sometimes with less, sometimes with more emphasis on the general character of such arguments. (C. C. J. Webb.)

A. adj.

I. Senses relating to maxims or commonplaces.

†1.

a. Pertaining to or of the nature of a ‘commonplace’ (commonplace n.² and adj.) or general maxim. rule topic, a general rule, which may fail to apply in a particular case, so that its application is only probable and not certain: see above. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > saying, maxim, adage > [adjective]

sententiala1475

sententious1542

topic1581

apophthegmatical?1589

topical1594

adagial1647

aphoristical1661

gnomonic1706

axiomatical1738

gnomologic1751

aphoristic1753

maximical1779

apophthegmatic1796

aphorismic1798

gnomic1815

aphorismatic1822

axiomatic1835

maximic1854

aphorismical1880

1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 117 b You fayle in the rule Topicke: whereby we are taught to apply true proper Causes, to true effectes. And therefore your consequent is faultie.

1589 ‘M. Marprelate’ Epitome (1843) 18 I marveile upon what topike place this reason is grounded.

1627 M. Wren Serm. 26 That's the first, and it is a Topick rule that; particularly applied by him upon this ground, because of the generall Image of God, which is upon a mans brother.

1645 S. Rutherford Tryal & Triumph of Faith xxi. 231 Uncertain and topick arguments to conclude a God-head and a golden heaven in the creature.

1649 H. Hammond Vindic. Addresse 23 Would it not be a strange reply, to say, That this consequence depended on the Authority of a Topick Maxime? The word [Topicke] I suppose to be here prefixt by him upon a designe of diminution, as Topicall is equivalent with probable, and oppos'd to demonstrative.

1655 R. Baillie Disswasive Vindic. 3 Such aerious and Topick arguments, can give no strength to a cause.

1661 J. Howell Twelve Several Treat. 360 The Topique Axiome tells us, that Dolus versatur in universalibus, there is double dealing in universals.

†b. Containing ‘commonplaces’; topic folio, a commonplace-book. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > record > written record > album or commonplace book > [noun]

book of commonplaces1562

adversaria1571

commonplace book1572

stem-book1592

commonplace1607

album1612

commonplacera1631

topic folio1644

place-booka1659

pocketbook1660

blank book1713

scrap-book1825

guard book1839

press book1897

1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 17 To finish his circuit in an English concordance and a topic folio, the gatherings and savings of a sober graduatship, a Harmony and a Catena.

II. Senses relating to locality.

†2.

a. Of or pertaining to a particular place or locality; local. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > place > [adjective] > relating to a particular place

regional?a1425

local?c1500

topical1588

territorial1606

topic1610

regionary1654

regionic1871

1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 691 These Locall or Topick Gods doe never passe unto other Countries.

1683 E. Hooker in J. Pordage Theologia Mystica Pref. Epist. 79 That Topic Proverb among the Spaniards, There are two Magicians in Segura, the one Experience, the other Wisdom.

1793 J. Hely tr. R. O'Flaherty Ogygia II. 195 Solemn conventions..to appease the topic deities.

†b. Medicine. Of or pertaining to a particular part of the body; designed for external local application.

ΚΠ

1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. xxix. vi. 364 The places ought before the application of those topicke medicines, to be well prepared with the razour.

1671 W. Salmon Synopsis Medicinæ iii. xxvii. 474 Linimentum is a fat topick Medicine.

B. n.

I. Representing Greek τοπικά. (See note in etymology.)

1. plural. As title of the treatise of Aristotle, or as name for a work of the same nature, or for a set of general rules or maxims.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > saying, maxim, adage > [noun] > collection of

topicsa1568

gnomology1645

society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > non-fiction > summary or epitome > [noun] > compendium or abridgment > specific compendium

topicsa1568

a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) ii. f. 53 Aristotle..when he had written that goodlie booke of the Topickes, did gather out of stories and Orators, so many examples as filled xv. bookes, onelie to expresse the rules of his Topickes.

1599 T. Nashe Lenten Stuffe 23 Had I my topickes by me in stead of my learned counsell to assist me, I might haps marshall my termes in better aray.

1603 P. Holland in tr. Plutarch Morals Explan. Words Topicks, That part of logicke which treateth of the invention of arguments, which are called Topi, as if they were places, out of which a man might redily have sufficient reasons to argue and dispute with Pro & contra.

1783 H. Blair Lect. Rhetoric II. xxxii. 180 These Topics or Loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to a great many different subjects, which the Orator was directed to consult, in order to find out materials for his Speech.

figurative.1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 9 For the Hands are those common places and Topiques of nature.

†2.

a. A kind or class of considerations suitable to the purpose of a rhetorician or disputant: passing into the sense ‘consideration’, ‘argument’. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > putting forward for discussion > [noun] > collectively

topic1634

problematique1970

1634 T. Jackson Knowledg of Christ Jesus xi. xxvii. §4 A new topic or frame of arguments which they draw from this.

1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie ii. sig. Mm3 Acts of violence and force..justified onely by the false Topick of successe.

1662 R. Boyle Seraphic Love (ed. 4) Refl. on Let. 170 When we have employed the loftiest hyperboles, and exhausted all the celebrating Topicks and Figures of Rhetorick.

1669–96 J. Aubrey Brief Lives (1898) I. 170 Judge Richardson harangued against him long, and like an orator, had topiques from the Druides, etc.

1692 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. vi. 2 This first Topick..was very fitly..made use of by our Apostle.

1719 W. Wood Surv. Trade (ed. 2) 96 The most general Topick made use of by the Advocates for it, was, That by prohibiting the French Trade, we only hurt our selves.

1789 D. Hume Hist. Eng. (new ed.) IV. 170 These strong topics, in favour of the house of Lancaster, were opposed by arguments no less convincing on the side of the house of York.

1825 W. Scott Betrothed xii, in Tales Crusaders II. 233 Interrupting those tears to suggest topics of hope and comfort, which carried no consolation to her own bosom.

1840 J. H. Newman Parochial Serm. (1842) V. xxiii. 351 How cold and dreary do all such topics prove, when a man comes into trouble?

†b. A head under which arguments or subjects may be arranged. (This passes imperceptibly into 3.) Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > materials of topic > [noun] > of discourse > division of

contenu1477

content1509

head-place1559

section1576

topica1661

subhead1672

heading1861

a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Lincs. 150 What remaineth concerning Mastiffes is referred to the same Topick in Somerset-shire.

a1676 M. Hale Primitive Originat. Mankind (1677) ii. i. 131 These are the Heads of those Evidences of Fact which I shall use in this Argument.., whereunto possibly other occasional Topicks of the like nature may be added.

1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy Pref. sig. A4 There are still several of these Topicks that are far from being exhausted.

a1806 S. Horsley Serm. (1811) 375 It is a new kind of argument against the truth of a proposition..that it hath been asserted and maintained by wise and good and learned men... This is a new way of managing the topic of authorities.

a. The subject of a discourse, argument, or literary composition; a matter treated in speech or writing; a theme; also, a subject of admiration, animadversion, satire, mockery, or other treatment.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > [noun]

thingeOE

evenOE

questionc1225

purposec1350

themec1380

mattera1387

reasonc1390

substancea1393

chapter1393

occasion1426

titlec1450

intentc1460

article1531

place1532

scope1549

subject1563

argumenta1568

string1583

matter subject1586

subject matter1587

qu.1608

haunt1622

seat1628

object matter1653

business1655

topic1728

locus1753

sub1779

ground1796

1728 J. Swift Intelligencer (1729) iii. 18 It is allowed that Corruption in Religion, Politicks, and Law, may be proper Topicks for this Kind of Satyr.

a1768 T. Secker Serm. Several Subj. (1771) VII. xvi. 364 We are much to blame, that we banish religious Topics from our Discourse.

1770 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xxxvi. 60 The sovereign should..not..make them a topic of jest and mockery.

1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. i. 10 He had exhausted every topic of conversation.

1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People vi. §4. 308 The New Testament of Erasmus became the topic of the day.

b. Grammar. The part of a sentence which is marked as that on which the rest of the sentence makes a statement (comment), asks a question, etc. Topic sometimes corresponds to subject, but the topic/comment contrast is not necessarily the same as that of subject/predicate.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > syntax or word order > syntactic unit or constituent > [noun] > topic or theme

topic1958

theme1959

1958 C. F. Hockett Course in Mod. Linguistics xxiii. 201 In English and the familiar languages of Europe, topics are usually also subjects, and comments are predicates.

1972 R. R. K. Hartmann & F. C. Stork Dict. Lang. & Linguistics 239/1 Some languages, e.g. Japanese, have special particles to mark the topic of the sentence, and for such languages the topic/comment is a more satisfactory analysis than the subject/predicate division.

1976 Archivum Linguisticum 7 123 ‘Topicalization’..will here be used to denote a process of both foregrounding of information..and selection of the ‘topic’ of information, that is a process which singles out certain elements in a sentence and makes them the ‘topic’ on which some ‘comment’ is made.

1979 Canad. Jrnl. Linguistics 24 i. 42 Topics are created by a rule of Topic Formation, and preposed by a rule of Topic Preposing.

II. Senses relating to place.

†4. Medicine. An external remedy locally applied, as a plaster or blister. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [noun] > a medicine or medicament > external medicine

topic1587

topical1656

1587 in J. D. Marwick Extracts Rec. Burgh Edinb. 12 Apr. (1882) IV. 489 Ane vlcer..applying thairto toopickis and vtheris emplasteres.

1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy ii. v. iii. i. 485 Amongst Topickes or outward medicines, none more precious then bathes.

1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) man. iii. i. 323 To which part of the Back-bone Topicks are to be applied.

1739 J. Sparrow tr. H. F. Le Dran Observ. Surg. lxxi. 251 Phlebotomy, and emollient Topicks, are our principal Resources.

†5. Apparently used as = Greek τόπος ‘place’. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > dwelling place or abode > place of resort > [noun] > usual haunt

reseta1325

hauntc1330

walka1425

neighbourhood1637

topic1650

office1699

1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine iv. iii. 60 Their Cities being one of Davids Topicks, or place where he haunted.

Compounds

C1. General attributive. (In sense B. 3b.)

topic-neutral n.

ΚΠ

1951 Mind 60 541 There are..some forms of inference which can occur only in a restricted field of discourse... There are others, depending on the meaning of what Professor Ryle has called ‘topic-neutral words’, which can occur in the handling of any kind of subject matter.

1961 D. S. Shwayder Modes of Referring iii. 81 A distinguishing use may be more or less topic-neutral.

C2.

topic-comment n. (also topic-and-comment) (based on) the dichotomy in grammar of topic and comment.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > syntax or word order > syntactic unit or constituent > [adjective] > relating to theme or rheme

rhematic1957

thematic1959

topic-comment1964

1964 E. A. Nida Toward Sci. Translating iv. 66 It has been found that all languages seem to have something equivalent to subject-predicate constructions. These may in some instances be more aptly termed topic-comment, but essentially they are very similar from one language to another.

1978 Language 54 231 He [sc. R. Scollon] then suggests that topic-comment structures themselves may arise from discourse.

1979 Amer. Speech 1978 53 279 I think the basic type of openness in human language behavior is that of the topic-and-comment pattern.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	topic
释义	topicadj.n. Brit. /ˈtɒpɪk/, U.S. /ˈtɑpɪk/ Forms: Also 1500s topicke, ( toopick), 1600s topike, topique, topyc, 1600s–1700s -ick. Etymology: As adjective, < Greek τοπικός of or pertaining to τόπος a place (see -ic suffix); local, or concerning τόποι commonplaces. As noun, < Latin topica, < Greek τοπικά adjective neuter plural, in τὰ τοπικά, title of a work of Aristotle, lit. matters concerning τόποι commonplaces. The use of τόπος ‘place’ for a class of considerations which would serve as a ‘place’ in which a rhetorician might look for suggestions in treating his theme, goes back to Isocrates. By Aristotle τόπος was especially appropriated to classes of considerations of a general character, common to many kinds of subjects, the use of which was open to any one dealing with his subject as a rhetorician or dialectician, not with special knowledge, with a view to scientific demonstration. Such were more fully described as κοινοὶ τόποι , loci communes , commonplace n.² Aristotle's treatise on probable (as distinguished fromdemonstrative) reasoning, which started from such general considerations and dispensed with special knowledge, was referred to as τὰ τοπικά; and such general considerations and arguments based thereon as were treated of in that work were called topic axioms, rules, or maxims, topic arguments, or simply topics; sometimes with less, sometimes with more emphasis on the general character of such arguments. (C. C. J. Webb.) A. adj. I. Senses relating to maxims or commonplaces. †1. a. Pertaining to or of the nature of a ‘commonplace’ (commonplace n.² and adj.) or general maxim. rule topic, a general rule, which may fail to apply in a particular case, so that its application is only probable and not certain: see above. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > saying, maxim, adage > [adjective] sententiala1475 sententious1542 topic1581 apophthegmatical?1589 topical1594 adagial1647 aphoristical1661 gnomonic1706 axiomatical1738 gnomologic1751 aphoristic1753 maximical1779 apophthegmatic1796 aphorismic1798 gnomic1815 aphorismatic1822 axiomatic1835 maximic1854 aphorismical1880 1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 117 b You fayle in the rule Topicke: whereby we are taught to apply true proper Causes, to true effectes. And therefore your consequent is faultie. 1589 ‘M. Marprelate’ Epitome (1843) 18 I marveile upon what topike place this reason is grounded. 1627 M. Wren Serm. 26 That's the first, and it is a Topick rule that; particularly applied by him upon this ground, because of the generall Image of God, which is upon a mans brother. 1645 S. Rutherford Tryal & Triumph of Faith xxi. 231 Uncertain and topick arguments to conclude a God-head and a golden heaven in the creature. 1649 H. Hammond Vindic. Addresse 23 Would it not be a strange reply, to say, That this consequence depended on the Authority of a Topick Maxime? The word [Topicke] I suppose to be here prefixt by him upon a designe of diminution, as Topicall is equivalent with probable, and oppos'd to demonstrative. 1655 R. Baillie Disswasive Vindic. 3 Such aerious and Topick arguments, can give no strength to a cause. 1661 J. Howell Twelve Several Treat. 360 The Topique Axiome tells us, that Dolus versatur in universalibus, there is double dealing in universals. †b. Containing ‘commonplaces’; topic folio, a commonplace-book. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > communication > record > written record > album or commonplace book > [noun] book of commonplaces1562 adversaria1571 commonplace book1572 stem-book1592 commonplace1607 album1612 commonplacera1631 topic folio1644 place-booka1659 pocketbook1660 blank book1713 scrap-book1825 guard book1839 press book1897 1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 17 To finish his circuit in an English concordance and a topic folio, the gatherings and savings of a sober graduatship, a Harmony and a Catena. II. Senses relating to locality. †2. a. Of or pertaining to a particular place or locality; local. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > place > [adjective] > relating to a particular place regional?a1425 local?c1500 topical1588 territorial1606 topic1610 regionary1654 regionic1871 1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 691 These Locall or Topick Gods doe never passe unto other Countries. 1683 E. Hooker in J. Pordage Theologia Mystica Pref. Epist. 79 That Topic Proverb among the Spaniards, There are two Magicians in Segura, the one Experience, the other Wisdom. 1793 J. Hely tr. R. O'Flaherty Ogygia II. 195 Solemn conventions..to appease the topic deities. †b. Medicine. Of or pertaining to a particular part of the body; designed for external local application. ΚΠ 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. xxix. vi. 364 The places ought before the application of those topicke medicines, to be well prepared with the razour. 1671 W. Salmon Synopsis Medicinæ iii. xxvii. 474 Linimentum is a fat topick Medicine. B. n. I. Representing Greek τοπικά. (See note in etymology.) 1. plural. As title of the treatise of Aristotle, or as name for a work of the same nature, or for a set of general rules or maxims. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > saying, maxim, adage > [noun] > collection of topicsa1568 gnomology1645 society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > non-fiction > summary or epitome > [noun] > compendium or abridgment > specific compendium topicsa1568 a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) ii. f. 53 Aristotle..when he had written that goodlie booke of the Topickes, did gather out of stories and Orators, so many examples as filled xv. bookes, onelie to expresse the rules of his Topickes. 1599 T. Nashe Lenten Stuffe 23 Had I my topickes by me in stead of my learned counsell to assist me, I might haps marshall my termes in better aray. 1603 P. Holland in tr. Plutarch Morals Explan. Words Topicks, That part of logicke which treateth of the invention of arguments, which are called Topi, as if they were places, out of which a man might redily have sufficient reasons to argue and dispute with Pro & contra. 1783 H. Blair Lect. Rhetoric II. xxxii. 180 These Topics or Loci, were no other than general ideas applicable to a great many different subjects, which the Orator was directed to consult, in order to find out materials for his Speech. figurative.1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 9 For the Hands are those common places and Topiques of nature. †2. a. A kind or class of considerations suitable to the purpose of a rhetorician or disputant: passing into the sense ‘consideration’, ‘argument’. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > putting forward for discussion > [noun] > collectively topic1634 problematique1970 1634 T. Jackson Knowledg of Christ Jesus xi. xxvii. §4 A new topic or frame of arguments which they draw from this. 1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie ii. sig. Mm3 Acts of violence and force..justified onely by the false Topick of successe. 1662 R. Boyle Seraphic Love (ed. 4) Refl. on Let. 170 When we have employed the loftiest hyperboles, and exhausted all the celebrating Topicks and Figures of Rhetorick. 1669–96 J. Aubrey Brief Lives (1898) I. 170 Judge Richardson harangued against him long, and like an orator, had topiques from the Druides, etc. 1692 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. vi. 2 This first Topick..was very fitly..made use of by our Apostle. 1719 W. Wood Surv. Trade (ed. 2) 96 The most general Topick made use of by the Advocates for it, was, That by prohibiting the French Trade, we only hurt our selves. 1789 D. Hume Hist. Eng. (new ed.) IV. 170 These strong topics, in favour of the house of Lancaster, were opposed by arguments no less convincing on the side of the house of York. 1825 W. Scott Betrothed xii, in Tales Crusaders II. 233 Interrupting those tears to suggest topics of hope and comfort, which carried no consolation to her own bosom. 1840 J. H. Newman Parochial Serm. (1842) V. xxiii. 351 How cold and dreary do all such topics prove, when a man comes into trouble? †b. A head under which arguments or subjects may be arranged. (This passes imperceptibly into 3.) Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > materials of topic > [noun] > of discourse > division of contenu1477 content1509 head-place1559 section1576 topica1661 subhead1672 heading1861 a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Lincs. 150 What remaineth concerning Mastiffes is referred to the same Topick in Somerset-shire. a1676 M. Hale Primitive Originat. Mankind (1677) ii. i. 131 These are the Heads of those Evidences of Fact which I shall use in this Argument.., whereunto possibly other occasional Topicks of the like nature may be added. 1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy Pref. sig. A4 There are still several of these Topicks that are far from being exhausted. a1806 S. Horsley Serm. (1811) 375 It is a new kind of argument against the truth of a proposition..that it hath been asserted and maintained by wise and good and learned men... This is a new way of managing the topic of authorities. 3. a. The subject of a discourse, argument, or literary composition; a matter treated in speech or writing; a theme; also, a subject of admiration, animadversion, satire, mockery, or other treatment. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > [noun] thingeOE evenOE questionc1225 purposec1350 themec1380 mattera1387 reasonc1390 substancea1393 chapter1393 occasion1426 titlec1450 intentc1460 article1531 place1532 scope1549 subject1563 argumenta1568 string1583 matter subject1586 subject matter1587 qu.1608 haunt1622 seat1628 object matter1653 business1655 topic1728 locus1753 sub1779 ground1796 1728 J. Swift Intelligencer (1729) iii. 18 It is allowed that Corruption in Religion, Politicks, and Law, may be proper Topicks for this Kind of Satyr. a1768 T. Secker Serm. Several Subj. (1771) VII. xvi. 364 We are much to blame, that we banish religious Topics from our Discourse. 1770 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xxxvi. 60 The sovereign should..not..make them a topic of jest and mockery. 1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. i. 10 He had exhausted every topic of conversation. 1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People vi. §4. 308 The New Testament of Erasmus became the topic of the day. b. Grammar. The part of a sentence which is marked as that on which the rest of the sentence makes a statement (comment), asks a question, etc. Topic sometimes corresponds to subject, but the topic/comment contrast is not necessarily the same as that of subject/predicate. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > syntax or word order > syntactic unit or constituent > [noun] > topic or theme topic1958 theme1959 1958 C. F. Hockett Course in Mod. Linguistics xxiii. 201 In English and the familiar languages of Europe, topics are usually also subjects, and comments are predicates. 1972 R. R. K. Hartmann & F. C. Stork Dict. Lang. & Linguistics 239/1 Some languages, e.g. Japanese, have special particles to mark the topic of the sentence, and for such languages the topic/comment is a more satisfactory analysis than the subject/predicate division. 1976 Archivum Linguisticum 7 123 ‘Topicalization’..will here be used to denote a process of both foregrounding of information..and selection of the ‘topic’ of information, that is a process which singles out certain elements in a sentence and makes them the ‘topic’ on which some ‘comment’ is made. 1979 Canad. Jrnl. Linguistics 24 i. 42 Topics are created by a rule of Topic Formation, and preposed by a rule of Topic Preposing. II. Senses relating to place. †4. Medicine. An external remedy locally applied, as a plaster or blister. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [noun] > a medicine or medicament > external medicine topic1587 topical1656 1587 in J. D. Marwick Extracts Rec. Burgh Edinb. 12 Apr. (1882) IV. 489 Ane vlcer..applying thairto toopickis and vtheris emplasteres. 1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy ii. v. iii. i. 485 Amongst Topickes or outward medicines, none more precious then bathes. 1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) man. iii. i. 323 To which part of the Back-bone Topicks are to be applied. 1739 J. Sparrow tr. H. F. Le Dran Observ. Surg. lxxi. 251 Phlebotomy, and emollient Topicks, are our principal Resources. †5. Apparently used as = Greek τόπος ‘place’. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > dwelling place or abode > place of resort > [noun] > usual haunt reseta1325 hauntc1330 walka1425 neighbourhood1637 topic1650 office1699 1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine iv. iii. 60 Their Cities being one of Davids Topicks, or place where he haunted. Compounds C1. General attributive. (In sense B. 3b.) topic-neutral n. ΚΠ 1951 Mind 60 541 There are..some forms of inference which can occur only in a restricted field of discourse... There are others, depending on the meaning of what Professor Ryle has called ‘topic-neutral words’, which can occur in the handling of any kind of subject matter. 1961 D. S. Shwayder Modes of Referring iii. 81 A distinguishing use may be more or less topic-neutral. C2. topic-comment n. (also topic-and-comment) (based on) the dichotomy in grammar of topic and comment. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > syntax or word order > syntactic unit or constituent > [adjective] > relating to theme or rheme rhematic1957 thematic1959 topic-comment1964 1964 E. A. Nida Toward Sci. Translating iv. 66 It has been found that all languages seem to have something equivalent to subject-predicate constructions. These may in some instances be more aptly termed topic-comment, but essentially they are very similar from one language to another. 1978 Language 54 231 He [sc. R. Scollon] then suggests that topic-comment structures themselves may arise from discourse. 1979 Amer. Speech 1978 53 279 I think the basic type of openness in human language behavior is that of the topic-and-comment pattern. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < adj.n.a1568
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