Frame: meaning, definitions and examples

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frame

 

[ freɪm ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
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

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

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "frame" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quadro

🇮🇳 फ्रेम

🇩🇪 Rahmen

🇮🇩 bingkai

🇺🇦 рама

🇵🇱 ramka

🇯🇵 フレーム

🇫🇷 cadre

🇪🇸 marco

🇹🇷 çerçeve

🇰🇷 프레임

🇸🇦 إطار

🇨🇿 rám

🇸🇰 rám

🇨🇳 框架

🇸🇮 okvir

🇮🇸 rammi

🇰🇿 жақтау

🇬🇪 ჩარჩო

🇦🇿 çərçivə

🇲🇽 marco

Etymology

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.