Topic vs. Title: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Topic is the subject or main idea of a discussion, article, or study, while Title is the name given to a book, article, or other work, often reflecting its content.
Key Differences
A topic refers to the specific subject or idea that is being discussed, written about, or studied. It represents the central theme or issue of a piece of work. A title, however, is the distinct name or heading given to a text, such as a book, article, or film, which often encapsulates the main idea or theme but in a more concise and sometimes creative way.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
In academic or professional settings, choosing an appropriate topic is crucial as it guides the content and direction of the work. The topic determines the scope and depth of the subject matter. Titles, in contrast, serve as a concise summary or an attention-grabbing element that represents the essence of the work. They are often designed to be memorable and to give readers a quick understanding of the work's content.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Topics are generally broader and can encompass a wide range of content, serving as a general guideline for the work. They are the foundation on which the content is built. Titles, on the other hand, are specific, succinct, and are carefully crafted to convey the main message or theme of the work in a few words.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
A topic can evolve or be refined as the work progresses, allowing for a more in-depth exploration or a shift in focus based on the development of ideas or research. Titles, once chosen, are usually fixed and become the official representation of the work, often used in citations, references, and marketing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
The choice of topic is influenced by the interest, purpose, and objective of the author or researcher. It reflects the subject matter being addressed or explored. The creation of a title, however, involves creativity and strategic thinking to encapsulate the topic in a way that is both accurate and engaging to the intended audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The subject or main idea being discussed or studied.
The name or heading given to a work, reflecting its content.
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Nov 11, 2023
Purpose
Guides the content and direction of the work.
Serves as a concise summary and attention-grabbing element.
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Nov 11, 2023
Scope
Broader and can encompass a wide range of content.
Specific and succinct, often capturing the essence in a few words.
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Nov 11, 2023
Flexibility
Can evolve or be refined during the work's development.
Usually fixed once chosen and used for official representation.
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Nov 11, 2023
Influence on Creation
Influenced by the author's interest and research objective.
Requires creativity and strategy to accurately and engagingly encapsulate the topic.
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Nov 11, 2023
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Topic and Title Definitions
Topic
Subject of Discussion
The main topic of the seminar was climate change.
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Nov 11, 2023
Title
An identifying name given to a book, play, film, musical composition, or other work.
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
Theme of a Study
Her research topic was the impact of social media on mental health.
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Nov 11, 2023
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Title
A written work that is published or about to be published
The titles in the publisher's fall catalog.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A division of a legal code, generally consisting of multiple related statutes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
Often titles Written material to be read by viewers that is included in a film or television show, typically presenting credits, narration, or dialogue.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Topic
(Linguistics) A word or phrase in a sentence, usually providing information from previous discourse or shared knowledge, that the rest of the sentence elaborates or comments on. Also called theme.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Title
A written piece of translated dialogue superimposed at the bottom of the frame during a film; a subtitle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A formal appellation attached to the name of a person as a sign of office, rank, profession, or hereditary privilege.
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
Subject; theme; a category or general area of interest.
A society where a topic cannot be discussed, does not have free speech.
Stick to the topic
An interesting topic of conversation
Romance is a topic that frequently comes up in conversation
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A descriptive name; an epithet
The dubious title of the worst bowler in the league.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A right or claim, or the basis of a right or claim
"The weight of a fish is commonly its only title to fame" (Henry David Thoreau).
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
(music) A musical sign intended to suggest a particular style or genre.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
The aggregate evidence that gives rise to a legal right of possession or control.
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
An external local application or remedy, such as a plaster, a blister, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
One of the various general forms of argument employed in probable as distinguished from demonstrative reasoning, - denominated by Aristotle to`poi (literally, places), as being the places or sources from which arguments may be derived, or to which they may be referred; also, a prepared form of argument, applicable to a great variety of cases, with a supply of which the ancient rhetoricians and orators provided themselves; a commonplace of argument or oratory.
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 this question by [reason] I do not mean a distinct topic, but a transcendent that runs through all topics.
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
An argument or reason.
Contumacious persons, who are not to be fixed by any principles, whom no topics can work upon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A source of income or area of work required of a candidate for ordination in the Church of England.
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
The subject of any distinct portion of a discourse, or argument, or literary composition; also, the general or main subject of the whole; a matter treated of; a subject, as of conversation or of thought; a matter; a point; a head.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A Roman Catholic church in or near Rome having a cardinal for its nominal head.
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
An external local application or remedy, as a plaster, a blister, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
An appellation given to a person or family to signify either veneration, official position, social rank, the possession of assets or properties, or a professional or academic qualification. See also :Category:Titles
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
The subject matter of a conversation or discussion;
He didn't want to discuss that subject
It was a very sensitive topic
His letters were always on the theme of love
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
(property law) Legal right to ownership of a property; a deed or other certificate proving this.
A good title to an estate, or an imperfect title
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
Some situation or event that is thought about;
He kept drifting off the topic
He had been thinking about the subject for several years
It is a matter for the police
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Oct 19, 2023
Topic
Focus of a Conversation
Our discussion's topic veered towards recent technological advancements.
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Nov 11, 2023
Topic
Subject Matter of a Book or Article
The book's topic explores the evolution of language.
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Nov 11, 2023
Title
The name of a book, film, musical piece, painting, or other work of art.
I know the singer's name, but not the title of the song.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A publication.
The retailer carries thousands of titles.
Buyers of the new video game console can choose from three bundled titles.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A written title, credit, or caption shown with a film, video, or performance.
The titles scrolled by too quickly to read.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
(bookbinding) The panel for the name, between the bands of the back of a book.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
The subject of a writing; a short phrase that summarizes the entire topic.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
(sports) The recognition given to the winner of a championship in sports.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
An inscription put over or upon anything as a name by which it is known.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
The inscription in the beginning of a book, usually containing the subject of the work, the author's and publisher's names, the date, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A section or division of a subject, as of a law, a book, specif. (Roman & Canon Laws), a chapter or division of a law book.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
An appellation of dignity, distinction, or preëminence (hereditary or acquired), given to persons, as duke marquis, honorable, esquire, etc.
With his former title greet Macbeth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
That which constitutes a just cause of exclusive possession; that which is the foundation of ownership of property, real or personal; a right; as, a good title to an estate, or an imperfect title.
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
To call by a title; to name; to entitle.
Hadrian, having quieted the island, took it for honor to be titled on his coin, "The Restorer of Britain."
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with;
Title 8 provided federal help for schools
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
The name of a work of art or literary composition etc.;
He looked for books with the word `jazz' in the title
He refused to give titles to his paintings
I can never remember movie titles
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A general or descriptive heading for a section of a written work;
The novel had chapter titles
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
A legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it;
He signed the deed
He kept the title to his car in the glove compartment
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
An identifying appellation signifying status or function: e.g. Mr. or General;
The professor didn't like his friends to use his formal title
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
An established or recognized right;
A strong legal claim to the property
He had no documents confirming his title to his father's estate
He staked his claim
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
(usually plural) written material introduced into a movie or TV show to give credits or represent dialogue or explain an action;
The titles go by faster than I can read
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
An appellation signifying nobility;
`your majesty' is the appropriate title to use in addressing a king
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
An informal right to something;
His claim on her attentions
His title to fame
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
Designate by an identifying term;
They styled their nation `The Confederate States'
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Oct 19, 2023
Title
Name of a Book or Article
The title of his latest novel is captivating.
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Nov 11, 2023
Title
Heading of a Paper or Document
Her thesis title succinctly summarizes her research.
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Nov 11, 2023
Title
Distinctive Name of a Work
The article's title caught everyone's attention.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a topic be changed after starting a project?
Yes, a topic can evolve or be refined as the project progresses.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is the topic more important than the title?
Both are important; the topic guides content while the title attracts attention.
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Nov 11, 2023
What determines a good topic for a research paper?
A good topic is relevant, interesting, and allows for in-depth exploration.
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Nov 11, 2023
How specific should a topic be?
A topic should be specific enough to provide clear direction but allow for comprehensive coverage.
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Nov 11, 2023
Can a title be a single word?
Yes, titles can be a single word if it effectively encapsulates the content.
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Nov 11, 2023
How important is a title for a book's success?
A title is crucial as it's often the first thing that attracts readers.
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Nov 11, 2023
What makes a title effective?
An effective title is concise, memorable, and accurately reflects the content.
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Nov 11, 2023
How do authors choose topics for their books?
Authors choose topics based on interest, expertise, and audience appeal.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Does a title affect the perception of a work?
Yes, a title can significantly influence how a work is perceived.
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Nov 11, 2023
Can a common topic have an original title?
Yes, even common topics can have unique, original titles.
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Nov 11, 2023
How does one create a compelling title?
A compelling title is created by balancing creativity with clarity and relevance to the content.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is it easier to choose a topic or a title?
This varies; some find choosing a topic easier, while others find titling more straightforward.
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Nov 11, 2023
Should a title reflect the topic exactly?
A title should accurately represent the topic, though it can be creative.
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Nov 11, 2023
Is it challenging to select a topic for a dissertation?
Selecting a topic for a dissertation can be challenging, as it requires originality and depth.
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Nov 11, 2023
Are catchy titles always effective?
Catchy titles are effective if they also accurately represent the content.
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Nov 11, 2023
Do titles need to include keywords for digital content?
For digital content, including keywords in titles can help with search engine optimization.
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Nov 11, 2023
How broad can a topic be for an article?
Topics for articles should be broad enough to cover the subject but narrow enough to be focused.
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Nov 11, 2023
Can the topic of a debate be a question?
Yes, the topic of a debate can be phrased as a question.
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Nov 11, 2023
How do writers find inspiration for titles?
Inspiration for titles can come from the work's content, themes, or key phrases.
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Nov 11, 2023
What role does a title play in marketing a book?
In marketing a book, the title plays a key role in attracting and intriguing potential readers.
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Nov 11, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.