frame of reference

noun phrase

1
: an arbitrary set of axes with reference to which the position or motion of something is described or physical laws are formulated
2
: a set of ideas, conditions, or assumptions that determine how something will be approached, perceived, or understood
a Marxian frame of reference

Examples of frame of reference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For a frame of reference, shows at these venues could look like The Shelter from Eminem’s 8 Mile one night and First Avenue in Prince’s Purple Rain the next. Maurice Garland, SPIN, 19 Dec. 2024 Spain has the 26th best health care in the world according to the 2023 Health Care Index (for frame of reference, the United States ranks 69th on the same list). Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 Even in the moment, her questions about his relationship with a cook at his Mount Josiah plantation in Virginia exposes some of Claire’s own biases of understanding the struggles for people outside of her own frame of reference. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 7 Dec. 2024 For a frame of reference, a USDA hardiness zone 7 winter can easily see temperatures this cold or colder, without being an exceptional year. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frame of reference 

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frame of reference was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near frame of reference

Cite this Entry

“Frame of reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frame%20of%20reference. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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