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
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Each is in their own frame of reference, but Terra on Earth, Stella in a spacecraft traveling past our planet. Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 June 2025 At that time, their frame of reference came mostly from online images. Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 But something even more momentous was about to shift the playwright’s frame of reference. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025 There was no frame of reference for what that even meant. Jeff Nelson, People.com, 9 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Frame of reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frame%20of%20reference. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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