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
There was no frame of reference for what that even meant.
—
Jeff Nelson, People.com, 9 May 2025
In the hills with the unnamed deserter, on the other hand, the immediate demands of survival are too urgent for any reasons or histories, the frame of reference too pared down for the generous luxury of the usual Énardian sentence.
—Nicholas Dames, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
By contrast, 22-29-year-olds have a different frame of reference.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Can strands of data give an accurate frame of reference as opposed to subjective or meaningless rankings?
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frame of reference
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Jeff Nelson, People.com, 9 May 2025
In the hills with the unnamed deserter, on the other hand, the immediate demands of survival are too urgent for any reasons or histories, the frame of reference too pared down for the generous luxury of the usual Énardian sentence.
—Nicholas Dames, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
By contrast, 22-29-year-olds have a different frame of reference.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Can strands of data give an accurate frame of reference as opposed to subjective or meaningless rankings?
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 3 Jun. 2025.
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