topos

[ toh-pohs, ‑pos ]

noun

, plural to·poi [toh, -poi].

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

topos

/ ˈtɒpɒs /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of topos¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of topos¹

C20: Greek, literally: place

Example Sentences

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.

From The New Yorker

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Literature

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

From The New Yorker