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underlying theme

[/ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ ˈθiːm/]
nounpl: underlying themes
tema subjacente
1. The main or central idea that is not explicitly stated but runs through a work of literature, film, speech, or other composition
The underlying theme of the novel is the struggle between good and evil.
O tema subjacente do romance é a luta entre o bem e o mal.
2. A fundamental or implicit concept that supports or unifies various elements of a work
Freedom and justice are underlying themes in the activist's speeches.
Liberdade e justiça são temas subjacentes nos discursos do ativista.
Synonyms
central thememain ideacore messagedominant themeimplicit theme
Antonyms
surface themeexplicit themeobvious theme

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tema subjacente
most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
tema de fundo
colloquial alternative
São Paulo
tema implícito
formal, academic usage
Portugal
tema subjacente
standard usage in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

read between the lines
the bigger picture
what lies beneath
the heart of the matter
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