Framed

/freɪmd/

verbBeginnerVery CommonLiterature

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To enclose or provide a structure for something.

/freɪmd/

verbneutralBeginner
Literature

To enclose or surround something

The carpenter framed the house's walls with sturdy wooden beams.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're putting a picture in a frame. To 'frame' something means to put a border or structure around it, whether it's a picture, a window, or even a story!

👶 For kids: Putting something in a box or border, like a picture in a frame.

More Examples

2

She decided to frame the photograph with a simple black border.

3

The architect framed the building with glass windows.

How It's Used

Art & Design

"The artist framed the painting with an ornate gold border."

Home Improvement

"They framed the window to give it a finished look."

2

To falsely accuse someone of a crime or wrongdoing.

/freɪmd/

verbnegativemedium
General

To accuse falsely or set up

He was convinced he had been framed by his business rivals.

💡 Simply: To 'frame' someone means to trick them or make it seem like they did something wrong when they didn't. It's like setting them up!

👶 For kids: Making it look like someone did something bad when they didn't.

More Examples

2

The evidence suggested the defendant had been framed by the police.

3

She feared her enemies were trying to frame her for the scandal.

How It's Used

Law & Crime

"The detective believed the suspect had been framed for the crime."

Politics

"The politician claimed he was framed to damage his reputation."

Tip:Imagine a criminal 'framing' someone, making it look like they did it.
3

To express or formulate something in a particular way.

/freɪmd/

verbneutralmedium
General

To formulate or express

The politician framed his proposals as beneficial to the working class.

💡 Simply: When you 'frame' something, you're choosing how to present it, like choosing the words and angle to show an idea.

👶 For kids: Saying something in a certain way.

More Examples

2

The author framed the story as a cautionary tale.

3

The lawyer skillfully framed the evidence to support his client's case.

How It's Used

Communication

"He framed his argument carefully to avoid offending anyone."

Debate

"The speaker framed the debate around the importance of environmental conservation."

Tip:Think about 'framing' your thoughts or arguments.

Idioms & expressions

framed out

To make a general plan or structure.

"The project team had framed out the schedule for the next few months."

From Middle English framen, fremmen, from Old English framian ('to be of use, profit, or avail'), from Proto-Germanic *framōjaną ('to advance, promote'). Influenced by the noun 'frame'.

The word 'frame' has been used for centuries to describe the physical structure around something, with the legal sense of 'framing' someone appearing later.

Memory tip

Think of a picture frame – it provides a boundary and structure.

fraimedfreamed

Usage

45%Spoken
55%Written