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Fray: meaning, definitions and examples

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fray

 

[freɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a battle

A fray refers to a noisy fight or battle, typically involving several people. It is a chaotic and violent situation where individuals are engaged in physical combat.

Synonyms

battle, melee, scuffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fray

Use 'fray' when talking about a chaotic or intense conflict or fight. It can often refer to a situation with a lot of participants.

  • He was eager to join the political fray.
  • The team jumped into the fray without hesitation.
battle

Use 'battle' for more serious, strategic, or prolonged fights often with clear opposing sides. It can be both literal (as in war) or metaphorical (as in legal or personal struggles).

  • The soldiers prepared for an intense battle.
  • She fought a long battle with illness.
scuffle

Use 'scuffle' for a minor, brief, physical fight or struggle, often involving pushing or shoving. This term usually doesn't imply serious harm.

  • The kids got into a little scuffle over the toy.
  • There was a brief scuffle between the fans outside the stadium.
melee

Use 'melee' for a noisy, confusing fight, usually involving multiple people in close quarters. The term often implies a lack of structure or order.

  • A melee broke out in the bar after someone threw a punch.
  • The melee of people at the concert was overwhelming.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers were in the midst of a fierce fray against the enemy forces.
  • The protesters and the police were caught in a violent fray during the demonstration.
Context #2 | Verb

to unravel

To fray means to unravel or become worn at the edge, typically referring to fabric or rope. It is the process of threads coming loose from the main material.

Synonyms

deteriorate, unravel, wear out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fray

Used when describing the state of fabric or material that is starting to become worn at the edges through constant rubbing.

  • The edges of my jacket began to fray after years of wear
unravel

Used when referring to threads coming apart in fabric or in a figurative sense to describe the solving of a complicated problem or mystery.

  • The seam on my shirt began to unravel
  • They worked hard to unravel the mystery of the ancient ruins
wear out

Used to describe something that has been used so much that it's no longer effective or usable.

  • My favorite jeans finally wore out after years of use
  • The tires on the car need to be replaced because they have worn out
deteriorate

Used to describe a gradual process of becoming progressively worse in condition, often referring to health, quality, or structures.

  • The building continued to deteriorate without proper maintenance
  • His health began to deteriorate after the accident

Examples of usage

  • The old carpet had started to fray at the corners.
  • The hem of her dress began to fray after repeated use.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'frayer', meaning to rumble or to disturb.
  • The earliest use in English dates back to the 15th century, originally describing the act of fighting or brawling.
  • The sense of something unraveling comes from textiles, where fabric can fray and become worn over time.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's work, 'Hamlet', the tension between characters leads to a fray, showcasing how conflict can escalate quickly.
  • Modern authors often use fray as a metaphor for emotional conflicts in relationships, highlighting vulnerability and stress.
  • The phrase 'to fray at the edges' is often used in writing to describe something deteriorating under pressure, both literally and figuratively.

Psychology

  • Fraying relationships can lead to stress and anxiety, often causing individuals to feel overwhelmed by their interactions.
  • Research shows that prolonged conflict in personal relationships can lead to mental health issues, including depression and other emotional challenges.
  • A frayed emotional state often manifests through irritability and tension, indicating that resolution may be necessary.

Cultural Usage

  • In many cultures, the concept of fraying can symbolize the breakdown of societal norms when conflicts arise.
  • The term is commonly used in sports to describe a heated moment during a game where players or teams become overly aggressive.
  • In fashion, the frayed edges of denim jeans have become a trendy style, showcasing how something worn can become fashionable.

Science

  • In materials science, fraying can refer to the breakdown of fibers in fabrics, often studied to improve durability.
  • Scientists explore how tension causes structural fraying in engineering, which can help in making stronger buildings.
  • Studies on biological materials demonstrate how cellular 'fraying' can occur under stress, affecting cell integrity.

Translations

Translations of the word "fray" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desgastar

🇮🇳 घिसना

🇩🇪 abnutzen

🇮🇩 ausir

🇺🇦 зношуватися

🇵🇱 zużyć

🇯🇵 すり減る (すりへる)

🇫🇷 user

🇪🇸 desgastar

🇹🇷 aşındırmak

🇰🇷 닳다

🇸🇦 يبلى

🇨🇿 opotřebovat

🇸🇰 opotrebovať

🇨🇳 磨损 (mósǔn)

🇸🇮 obrabiti se

🇮🇸 slitna

🇰🇿 тозу

🇬🇪 ცვლა

🇦🇿 aşınmaq

🇲🇽 desgastar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,279, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.