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

The biographer tries to provide a frame of reference through which the author's work can be understood.

Examples of frame of reference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Regardless of an observer’s motion or frame of reference, the physics should remain the same. —Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025

Without much of a frame of reference for Skyline Chili, many of our editors were surprised at the sweet notes that tasted more like fall baking than a bowl of tomatoey chili. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025

But he’s got no frame of reference for competing against a future Hall of Famer. —Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025

The nose bears a family resemblance to the Ariya, and the body style is sort of a crossover, sort of a fastback sedan, depending on your frame of reference. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for frame of reference

• deference
• preference