FRAME | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Old English framian ‘be useful’, of Germanic origin and related to from. The general sense in Middle English, ‘make ready for use’, probably led to frame (sense 2 of the verb); it also gave rise to the specific meaning ‘prepare timber for use in building’, later ‘make the wooden parts (framework) of a building’, hence the noun sense ‘structure’ (late Middle English)

a rigid structure that surrounds something such as a picture, door, or windowpane.

rigid structure that surrounds something

a person's body with reference to its size or build

person's body

• a shiver shook her slim frame

a basic structure that underlies or supports a system, concept, or text

basic supporting structure

• the establishment of conditions provides a frame for interpretation

a structural environment within which a class of words or other linguistic units can be correctly used. For example I — him is a frame for a large class of transitive verbs.

structure within which class of words can be used

a single complete picture in a series forming a cinema, television, or video film

single picture in series forming film

• video footage slowed down to 20 frames a second

the triangular structure for positioning the red balls in snooker.

triangular structure for positioning balls in snooker

place (a picture or photograph) in a frame

place picture or photograph in frame

• he had had the photo framed

formulate (a concept, plan, or system)

formulate concept or plan

• staff have proved invaluable in framing the proposals

produce false evidence against (an innocent person) so that they appear guilty

produce false evidence against innocent person

• he claims he was framed