Fray Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fray
[freɪ ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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).
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| scuffle |
Use 'scuffle' for a minor, brief, physical fight or struggle, often involving pushing or shoving. This term usually doesn't imply serious harm.
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| 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.
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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.
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?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| wear out |
Used to describe something that has been used so much that it's no longer effective or usable.
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| deteriorate |
Used to describe a gradual process of becoming progressively worse in condition, often referring to health, quality, or structures.
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Examples of usage
- The old carpet had started to fray at the corners.
- The hem of her dress began to fray after repeated use.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'fray'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'fray' originated from the Middle English word 'freien' meaning 'to make afraid' or 'to assail'. Over time, it evolved to represent a noisy fight or battle. The verb sense of 'fray' in the context of unraveling comes from the Old French word 'fraier', meaning 'to rub'.
See also: frayed.