The word 'thematics' is a modern scholarly formation, directly constructed from the core Greek-derived noun 'theme'. The root 'them-' originates from the Greek thema, meaning 'something set down' or 'a proposition', which itself comes from the verb tithenai, 'to place' or 'to set'. The suffix '-ics', entering English via Latin and French, systematically denotes fields of study or sciences, as seen in 'mathematics' or 'physics'. Therefore, 'thematics' logically follows this pattern, naming the systematic study or the organized system of themes, effectively 'the science of themes'. Its formation illustrates the productive capacity of English to create precise academic terminology by combining classical elements.

Structure: them (theme) + atics (study or science of) - them: From Greek thema (a proposition, something laid down), via Latin thema. In this word, it functions as the core root denoting the subject or topic. - atics: A suffix derived from the Greek suffix -ikos (pertaining to) via Latin -ica and English -ics, used to form nouns denoting a body of knowledge, study, or practice.