Frames
/freɪmz/
Definitions
8+ meaningsA structure that provides support or containment, often rectangular.
/freɪmz/
A rigid structure that surrounds or supports something.
She bought a beautiful antique frame for her graduation photo.
💡 Simply: A frame is like the outline or border around something. Think of the picture frame that holds your favorite photo, or the frame of your glasses that helps you see! It helps organize and support something else.
👶 For kids: A frame is like a box or border around something like a picture or a window.
More Examples
The construction workers started building the frame of the new building.
The scientist used a special frame to observe the sample.
How It's Used
"The painting was displayed in an ornate gold frame."
"The carpenters built the frame of the house."
The structure that holds lenses in eyeglasses.
/freɪmz/
A supporting structure for a person's eyeglasses.
He needed to get new frames for his glasses.
💡 Simply: The frame of your glasses is the part that holds the lenses so you can see clearly. It's what sits on your nose and ears!
👶 For kids: The frame of your glasses is what holds the glass part that helps you see.
More Examples
The shop offered a variety of stylish frames.
Her new frames had a modern design.
How It's Used
"She chose new frames that complemented her face shape."
A single image in a series, as in a film or video.
/freɪmz/
A single shot or sequence in a film or video.
The director carefully chose the best frames for the final cut of the movie.
💡 Simply: In movies or videos, each tiny picture is called a frame. When many frames flash by really fast, they create the illusion of movement.
👶 For kids: A frame is one little picture in a movie.
More Examples
The film was slowed down to show the individual frames.
Each frame of the animation was hand-drawn.
How It's Used
"The editor cut the film to create dynamic frames."
An underlying structure or framework that shapes something.
/freɪmz/
A framework or system that provides structure.
They developed a new frame for understanding the problem.
💡 Simply: A frame can also be a way of thinking or understanding something. It's like a set of rules or a perspective that shapes how you see the world.
👶 For kids: A frame can also be a way of thinking or understanding something. It's like a set of rules or a perspective that shapes how you see the world.
More Examples
The negotiations were conducted within a framework of mutual respect.
The new legislation created a legal frame for regulating the industry.
How It's Used
"The company established a new frame of governance."
"Sociologists study the social frames that shape our behavior."
To enclose something, such as a picture, within a frame.
/freɪmz/
To put a picture in a frame.
She framed the artwork.
💡 Simply: To frame something is to put it inside a frame. Like when you put your favorite picture in a picture frame!
👶 For kids: To frame something is to put a picture or something special inside a frame.
More Examples
He framed the photograph before giving it as a gift.
How It's Used
"She framed her diploma for her office wall."
To construct by using a frame or framework.
/freɪmz/
To construct by using a frame.
The carpenters framed the roof of the house.
💡 Simply: To frame is to build the supporting structure, like the skeleton of a house or the outline of a building.
👶 For kids: To frame is to build the skeleton of a house or building.
More Examples
They framed the door before attaching it to the wall.
How It's Used
"The builders framed the walls of the new house."
To shape, mold, or present information in a specific way that influences perception or interpretation.
/freɪmz/
To shape or mold (one's thinking or opinions).
The attorney tried to frame the evidence to support his case.
💡 Simply: To frame something can also mean to present it in a certain way to make people understand it a specific way. For instance, the news might show a situation so that it changes how people view it.
👶 For kids: To frame something is to present or show things in a way to make people think a certain way.
More Examples
The politician framed the issue as a matter of national security.
The article was framed to highlight the positive aspects of the project.
How It's Used
"The media can frame a story in such a way that it influences public opinion."
To falsely accuse someone of a crime.
/freɪmz/
To falsely accuse someone (of a crime).
The police suspected that someone was trying to frame the suspect.
💡 Simply: To frame someone is to falsely make them look guilty of something they didn't do, often as a way to set them up or get them in trouble.
👶 For kids: To frame someone means to make them look like they did something bad when they didn't.
More Examples
He was framed for the theft.
The evidence suggested that the defendant was framed.
How It's Used
"The corrupt official tried to frame his opponent."
Synonyms
Border
Case
Enclosure
Context
Build
Construct
Erect
Idioms & expressions
frame of mind
A person's state of mind or feelings at a particular time.
"I wasn't in the right frame of mind to make a decision."
out of frame
Not within the boundaries or field of view.
"The actor's head was out of frame in that shot."
frame up
To falsely accuse or incriminate someone.
"They tried to frame him for the robbery."
From Middle English frame, fram, from Old English *fræm, fram, *frem (ge)fremman, meaning to construct, create, or shape. Ultimately from Proto-Germanic *framaz, meaning forward, onward, or strong.
The word frame has been used since Old English with its various meanings evolving over time.