Fringing: meaning, definitions and examples

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fringing

 

[frɪn.dʒɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

textile decoration

Fringing refers to a decorative border or trimming that hangs loosely from the edge of a fabric or garment. It is often made of threads, tassels, or beads to give an ornamental touch to various textiles.

Synonyms

border, tassel, trim.

Examples of usage

  • The dress was adorned with colorful fringing.
  • She added fringing to the throw pillows for a bohemian look.
  • The curtain features elegant fringing at the bottom.
Context #2 | Verb

to decorate

To fringe means to adorn or decorate something with a fringe or similar embellishment. It can also refer to the act of creating a fringe by cutting the ends of fabric into threads to form a decorative edge.

Synonyms

decorate, edge, trim.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to fringe the edges of her shawl.
  • He fringed the blanket for a handcrafted feel.
  • They plan to fringe the tablecloth for a festive occasion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English word 'frynge', which referred to the decorative edges of fabric.
  • It has roots in the Old French word 'fringe', which means 'to border' or 'to adorn'.
  • Originally, fringing was used in textiles to add beauty and detail to garments and home decor.

Fashion

  • In clothing, fringing can be a stylish element, often seen in bohemian or Native American-inspired designs.
  • Fringe was especially popular in the 1920s, accentuating the movement and flair of flapper dresses.
  • It's been reintroduced in modern fashion, particularly in jackets, skirts, and accessories for a fun, playful look.

Art and Culture

  • Fringing can symbolize the unconventional or the avant-garde in artistic expressions, as it breaks traditional boundaries.
  • In the context of festivals, like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the term represents a celebration of diverse performances outside mainstream arts.
  • Some artists use fringing as a technique to explore textures and layers in their works, adding depth and contrast.

Science and Nature

  • In optics, 'fringing' refers to bright or dark bands that appear due to interference patterns of light, often seen in physics experiments.
  • Certain plants exhibit fringing in their leaf structures, showcasing unique adaptations to their environments.
  • The term fringing is also used in marine biology to describe coral reefs that grow close to shore, known as fringing reefs.

Psychology

  • In cognitive psychology, 'fringing' can refer to the overlapping edges of thoughts and ideas, how concepts can blend.
  • Fringe effects can also describe unexpected outcomes or side effects of behavior, highlighting the unpredictability of human behavior.
  • Understanding the fringes of memory can help psychologists investigate how we recall information and the influences that affect it.

Translations

Translations of the word "fringing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 franja

🇮🇳 फ्रिंज

🇩🇪 Fransen

🇮🇩 pinggiran

🇺🇦 фрінж

🇵🇱 frędzel

🇯🇵 フリンジ

🇫🇷 frange

🇪🇸 fleco

🇹🇷 kenar

🇰🇷 프린지

🇸🇦 حافة

🇨🇿 franje

🇸🇰 franž

🇨🇳 流苏

🇸🇮 fringe

🇮🇸 fringe

🇰🇿 шет

🇬🇪 ფრინჯი

🇦🇿 kənar

🇲🇽 fleco

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,871, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.