Frame Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frame

[freษชm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

picture hanging

A rigid structure that surrounds or encloses something such as a picture, door, or window. It provides support and serves as a border or outline.

Synonyms

border, edging, enclosure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frame

Use this word when referring to the structural support or outline of an object, such as a picture, window, or door.

  • He mounted the painting in a beautiful wooden frame
border

This word is appropriate when discussing the outer edge or boundary of an area, such as the border of a country, or the decorative edge around something.

  • They crossed the border into France
enclosure

Best used to refer to a space that is closed off or contained, like a yard, pen, or box.

  • The animals are kept in a secure enclosure
edging

Often used for decorative or finishing purposes, particularly around items like gardens, fabric, or flooring.

  • She added a lace edging to the tablecloth

Examples of usage

  • The painting looked even more beautiful in its ornate frame.
  • She placed the photograph in a simple black frame.
  • The antique mirror had an intricately carved wooden frame.
Context #2 | Noun

criminal activity

A person who is set up to take the blame for a crime, usually by providing false evidence or misleading information.

Synonyms

implicate, incriminate, set-up.

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Word Description / Examples
frame

To describe the physical structure that surrounds something or the way something is presented or organized. In a legal sense, it can mean making someone appear guilty of a crime they didn't commit.

  • The artist decided to frame the picture in a simple wooden border.
  • She tried to frame her argument in a logical way.
  • He claimed that someone had tried to frame him for the robbery.
set-up

Informal term often used to describe a scheme or situation where someone is deceptively arranged to appear guilty of something. It usually indicates a deliberate action to mislead.

  • It was all a set-up to get him fired.
  • She realized too late that the meeting was a set-up.
incriminate

To suggest that someone is guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, usually based on direct evidence. It is typically used in legal or serious contexts.

  • The witness's testimony could incriminate the defendant.
  • He refused to answer questions that might incriminate him.
implicate

To show that someone is involved in a crime or something wrong, usually based on evidence or association. This word often has a formal or serious tone.

  • The investigation implicated several high-ranking officials in the scandal.
  • The evidence seemed to implicate him in the fraud.

Examples of usage

  • The innocent man was framed by the real criminal.
  • The detective uncovered the plot to frame the suspect.
Context #3 | Verb

manipulate

To create a false appearance or incriminate someone by fabricating evidence or distorting facts.

Synonyms

entrap, fabricate, set-up.

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Word Description / Examples
frame

This is used when someone is falsely accused of a crime and has been manipulated to look guilty. It involves significant planning and deceit.

  • They tried to frame him for the robbery, but the truth eventually came out.
  • She felt like someone was trying to frame her for the cheating scandal at work.
fabricate

This term is used when something is invented or concocted, often implying deceit. It can refer to false evidence, stories, or information.

  • The journalist was accused of fabricating parts of the story.
  • They fabricated evidence to make it look like he was guilty.
entrap

This word is typically used in legal settings where law enforcement officers create a situation to induce someone to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • The defense argued that their client was entrapped by the undercover officer.
  • He claimed that he was entrapped into committing the crime.
set-up

This is used to describe a situation where someone is deceived into a compromising position or made to appear guilty. It often has a casual or colloquial tone.

  • She realized too late that it was a set-up and she had been tricked.
  • He walked right into a set-up and now he's in big trouble.

Examples of usage

  • The villain tried to frame the hero for the crime.
  • She was framed for a crime she didn't commit.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • Frames have been used in art for centuries, influencing how we perceive artworks by emphasizing or altering their context.
  • In modern design, frames can be virtual; for instance, the borders of websites or apps create 'frames' for content.
  • Famous artists often chose unique frames to complement their artworks, becoming an integral part of the pieceโ€™s presentation.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'framing' is important in communication, as how information is presented can shape peopleโ€™s opinions or decisions.
  • Researchers found that messages are often more effective when framed positively, leading to better acceptance or purchase behavior.
  • Cognitive biases like the framing effect illustrate how people's choices are influenced by how options are presented.

Architecture

  • In building construction, a frame refers to the structural system that carries loads and shapes the buildingโ€™s form.
  • Different framing methods, like balloon framing and platform framing, offer various benefits for strength and cost.
  • Today's eco-friendly designs use innovative framing materials that contribute to sustainability in construction.

Technology

  • In computer graphics, a frame refers to a single image in a sequence, crucial for video and animation.
  • Frames in web design can create layouts that divide a browser window into sections to hold different pages or sources of content.
  • In programming, especially within UI frameworks, 'frames' help organize content visually for user interaction.

Origin of 'frame'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'framian,' meaning to 'advance' or 'help,' showing the supportive aspect of a frame.
  • In the 14th century, it began to refer to the physical support for pictures and structures.
  • The term can also relate to the act of constructing or shaping something.

The word 'frame' has origins in Old English and Old Norse, with the meanings of 'border' or 'enclose'. Over time, it evolved to also signify the structure that surrounds something, such as a picture or a window. In the context of criminal activity, the term 'frame' gained a negative connotation, referring to the act of falsely incriminating someone. The verb form of 'frame' emerged later to describe the action of setting someone up or manipulating evidence. Today, 'frame' is widely used in various fields, from art and construction to law and crime investigation.


Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,779, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.