frame

To put a picture or photograph inside a firm border, usually for display.

• I want to frame this picture.
• He framed the photograph and hung it above his desk.
• Have you framed your new painting yet?

How to use it: frame something in something (She framed the photograph in dark wood.)

Common phrases: frame a picture, frame a photograph, frame something in something

To express an idea in a particular way that shapes how people understand it.

• How should we frame the question?
• He framed his argument around the needs of children.
• The report frames the problem as a failure of communication.

How to use it: frame something as something (They framed the change as an opportunity.); frame something in terms of something (She framed the debate in terms of fairness.)

Similar words: present, formulate

Common phrases: frame a question, frame an argument, frame something as something

To choose where things appear within the edges of a picture or camera view.

• Try to frame the shot more carefully.
• She framed the mountain between two tall trees.
• The director frames each scene to draw attention to the main character.

Similar words: compose

Common phrases: frame a shot, frame a scene, frame the subject

To make an innocent person appear guilty of a crime by creating false evidence.

• Someone tried to frame me.
• She was framed for a crime she never committed.
• They planted stolen money in his bag to frame him.

How to use it: frame someone for something (They framed him for the robbery.)

Similar words: set up

Common phrases: frame someone, frame for murder, frame someone for something

To build the strong supporting parts of a house or other object.

• The builders framed the house in wood.
• We will frame the garage before adding the roof.
• They are framing the upper floor this week.

Common phrases: frame a house, frame a building

A firm border that holds a picture or other flat material in place.

• The photo is in a silver frame.
• We bought wooden frames for the children’s drawings.
• This frame is too small for the painting.

Common phrases: picture frame, wooden frame, in a frame

The strong connected parts that support a building or another object.

• The house has a wooden frame.
• Workers attached the walls to the steel frame.
• The bicycle’s frame was damaged in the crash.

Similar words: framework, skeleton

Common phrases: steel frame, wooden frame, bicycle frame

One picture on a strip of film.

• One frame was damaged.
• The photographer examined each frame carefully.
• Several frames on the film were too dark.

Similar words: image

Common phrases: film frame, single frame, frame of film