Definition

1. Noun:

   • A rigid structure that surrounds or encloses something: A "frame" is a border or case that holds a picture, mirror, or other object.
   • The underlying structure that gives shape or support: A "frame" is the basic skeleton or framework of a building, vehicle, or body.
   • A single complete image in a series: In film, video, or animation, a "frame" is one of the many still pictures shown in sequence.
   • A particular state or context: A "frame" can refer to a specific state of mind or a system of ideas that shapes understanding.

2. Verb:

   • To formulate or express something in a particular way: To "frame" is to carefully construct words, ideas, or plans.
   • To enclose within a border: To "frame" something is to put it in a physical frame.
   • To construct or build the structure of something: To "frame" is to assemble the supporting framework.
   • To make someone appear guilty falsely: To "frame" someone is to set them up or fabricate evidence against them.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The picture looks beautiful in its wooden frame.
  • The frame of the house was built from strong timber.
  • The film animates at 24 frames per second.
  • He was in a cheerful frame of mind.

• Verb:

  • She carefully framed her question to avoid causing offense.
  • We should frame this certificate and hang it on the wall.
  • The builders will frame the new garage next week.
  • In the movie, the villain tried to frame the hero for the crime.

Advanced Usage

• "frame of reference": A set of criteria or stated values in relation to which measurements or judgments can be made.

  • His cultural frame of reference was very different from my own.

• "frame of mind": A particular mood or mental state.

  • You need to be in the right frame of mind to take this test.

• "frame the debate/discussion": To define the terms or set the boundaries for a discussion.

  • The opening speech helped frame the debate for the entire conference.

Variants and Related Words

• Framework (n): A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.

  • The report provides a framework for future research.

• Framing (n): The action of framing something; the way something is presented.

  • The framing of the issue in the media influenced public opinion.

Synonyms

• Noun: Structure, framework, skeleton, chassis, border, setting.
• Verb: Formulate, phrase, word, construct, enclose, entrap.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Frame up (verb): To conspire to make an innocent person appear guilty.
  • He claimed the evidence was fabricated to frame him up.

Related Idioms

• "A frame job": An act of framing someone; making someone appear guilty of a crime they did not commit.
  • The detective suspected it was a frame job from the beginning.

Noun

1. one of the ten divisions into which bowling is divided
2. a framework that supports and protects a picture or a mirror
   • the frame enhances but is not itself the subject of attention
   • the frame was much more valuable than the miror it held
3. the internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape
   • the building has a steel skeleton
4. the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal
5. a system of assumptions and standards that sanction behavior and give it meaning
6. an application that divides the user's display into two or more windows that can be scrolled independently
7. a single drawing in a comic_strip
8. (baseball) one of nine divisions of play during which each team has a turn at bat
9. alternative names for the body of a human being
   • Leonardo studied the human body
   • he has a strong physique
   • the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
10. a single one of a series of still transparent pictures forming a cinema, television or video film
11. the framework for a pair of eyeglasses

Verb

1. construct by fitting or uniting parts together
2. make up plans or basic details for
   • frame a policy
3. formulate in a particular style or language
   • I wouldn't put it that way
   • She cast her request in very polite language
4. take or catch as if in a snare or trap
   • I was set up!
   • The innocent man was framed by the police
5. enclose in a frame, as of a picture
6. enclose in or as if in a frame
   • frame a picture