frame
/freɪm/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A frame is a rigid structure that supports or surrounds something, like a picture, door, window, or glasses. It can also mean the basic structure or outline of something larger.
- The photo is in a wooden frame.
- The window frame is made of steel.
- She gave the story a clear frame.
verb
To frame something means to put it inside a frame. It can also mean to plan or present something in a particular way.
- He framed the poster and hung it up.
- They framed the issue as a safety problem.
- She framed her answer carefully.
Adinary Nuance
Frame is more specific than support, border, or outline. Use frame when you mean a physical structure around something, or the way something is presented. In writing, frame often suggests choosing the angle or structure, not just describing something.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- khung
- Spanish
- marco
- Chinese
- 框架
- Japanese
- 枠
- Korean
- 틀
Etymology
Frame came into English from Old French in the Middle English period. It goes back to Latin root ideas meaning “to make” or “construct.”
Common phrases
picture frameframe of mindframe the issueframe a question
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between frame and border?
- A border is an edge or line around something. A frame is usually a stronger structure that surrounds or supports it.
- Is frame used in business or academic writing?
- Yes. Writers often use frame when they mean how an idea is presented or organized.
- Can frame be a verb?
- Yes. It can mean to put something in a frame or to present something in a chosen way.
- Is frame a common word?
- Yes. It is very common in daily speech, writing, and formal contexts.