Definition

Adjective: * Worn away or tattered along the edges: Describes a material, especially fabric or rope, whose edges have become worn, unraveled, or ragged due to friction, age, or heavy use.

Usage

The adjective "frayed" is used to describe the physical condition of an object. It typically modifies nouns like fabric, clothing, rope, or nerves (in a metaphorical sense). It often implies a state of disrepair or damage from use.

Examples

• (Metaphorical use)

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use for Nerves/Temper: "Frayed" is commonly used to describe a person's emotional state, suggesting they are worn out, irritated, or at the end of their patience.
  • The long delay and loud noise left everyone's nerves frayed.
• "Frayed around the edges": An idiomatic expression meaning showing signs of strain, wear, or decline, either physically or in terms of reputation/character.
  • The old mansion was beautiful but frayed around the edges.
  • His impeccable reputation was beginning to look frayed around the edges after the scandal.

Variants and Related Words

• Fray (verb): To become worn and begin to unravel at the edge.
  • The constant rubbing caused the fabric to fray.
• Fraying (noun/adj): The process or result of becoming frayed.
  • The fraying of the rope was evident. (Noun)
  • He examined the fraying seam. (Adjective)

Synonyms

• Unraveled: (Of fabric) having its threads come apart.
• Tattered: Torn in shreds; ragged.
• Worn: Damaged or thinner from use.
• Threadbare: (Of cloth) thin and worn with age.

Antonyms

• Intact: Not damaged or impaired.
• Pristine: In its original condition; unspoiled.
• New: Not previously used or owned.

Related Idioms

• To be frayed at the edges: Similar to "frayed around the edges," meaning to be in a somewhat deteriorated or stressed condition.
  • After the week he'd had, he was definitely frayed at the edges.

Adjective

1. worn away or tattered along the edges
   • frayed cuffs