Frame Meaning
Frame Definition & Usage
A rigid structure that surrounds or encloses something, typically used for supporting or holding something else in place, such as a picture, door, or window.
Examples
- "She hung the painting in a golden frame on the living room wall."
- "The picture frame had intricate carvings along the edges."
- "The window frame was made of sturdy wood, weathered by years of exposure."
- "He carefully adjusted the frame to ensure the photograph was straight."
- "A metal frame supports the glass panes of the door."
To shape, outline, or create the context for something, often used in the sense of presenting or influencing a perception or interpretation.
Examples
- "The media framed the debate as a battle between tradition and progress."
- "His words were carefully framed to avoid misunderstanding."
- "The documentary framed the issue of climate change as an urgent global crisis."
- "They framed the argument in a way that would sway public opinion."
- "The report was framed around the idea of economic growth being the key to solving the crisis."
A border or boundary around something, whether literal or figurative.
Examples
- "The frame of the door was painted black to match the room’s decor."
- "Within the frame of the story, the hero’s journey was the central theme."
- "The athlete performed within the frame of the team’s strategy."
- "She looked through the frame of the window and watched the sunset."
- "The conversation occurred within the frame of cultural expectations."
In sports, particularly in billiards or snooker, 'to frame' means to set up or arrange the game, including the preparation of the playing area.
Examples
- "Before the match began, they framed the table for a perfect game of snooker."
- "The referee framed the playing area with the official markings."
- "The coach framed the strategy, setting clear roles for each player."
- "They framed the ball perfectly to start the first round."
- "The match was framed with excitement as both teams warmed up."
Cultural Context
The word 'frame' has both literal and metaphorical uses in English. Historically, the term was derived from the Latin 'framium', referring to a structure or framework that supports something. Over time, it expanded into metaphorical uses, such as framing ideas or narratives.
The Framing of Perception
Story
The Framing of Perception
In a small town, nestled between rolling hills, lived two childhood friends, Sophie and Laura. They spent their summers playing by the old oak tree, their laughter echoing across the fields. One day, as they sat on the porch, looking out over the horizon, Sophie pointed to the old family portrait hanging on the wall inside their house. It was framed in rich oak, with the grain of the wood gleaming in the sunlight. 'I always loved that frame,' Sophie said, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. 'It makes the picture seem even more special.' 'You know,' Laura replied, 'it’s interesting how much the frame can change how we see things. Not just with pictures, but with ideas too.' Sophie turned to her, intrigued. 'What do you mean?' she asked. Laura smiled. 'Well, think about it. If someone told you a story but framed it in a way that only focused on one part, you might think about it differently than if they framed it from another perspective. It’s like how the news tells stories. They frame everything to make it seem like one thing is more important than another.' Sophie’s mind began to race as she thought about the way the media had framed various events she’d read about. She had always assumed the stories were simply told as they were, but now she saw that the context, the framing, shaped the way she understood them. Later, as they sat at the kitchen table, eating cookies Sophie had baked, the conversation turned to their future. Laura explained how she had framed her career ambitions, thinking of them as a series of small steps that would lead her to a greater purpose. Sophie, on the other hand, was more uncertain, unsure of how to frame her own dreams. She had always lived in the moment, letting each day unfold as it came. That afternoon, Sophie and Laura framed their plans for the future. It was no longer about what they would do, but how they would frame it. Would their dreams be small and isolated, or would they shape them into something bigger, more connected? As they laughed and talked late into the evening, the two friends realized that the way they framed their lives could give them the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
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