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
Bronny is a good player, perhaps even a great one, depending on your frame of reference.
—
Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 23 June 2024
Her stats, such as 24 points and 11.5 rebounds per game in the FIBA under-18 African Championship, or 21.5 points per game in the under-18 World Cup, are impressive, but with no real frame of reference as games are not readily available.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2024
That frame of reference often makes cooperative gaming, a genre that’s having a moment with 2023 quite possibly the best year for new cooperative titles in the hobby’s history, seem rather strange to new players.
—Keith Law, Vulture, 22 Mar. 2024
By way of explaining the strategic and tactical rationale of what was about to happen, the source resorted to a common frame of reference: the story of King Saul’s robe.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2024
Now, the frame of reference is changing, with proponents of surveillance presenting a false dichotomy: give away your location or people will die.
—Katie Joseff, Foreign Affairs, 22 May 2020
And there is another multifaceted way in which birds exceed our standard human frames of reference and appear like strange and extraordinary creatures: in the sharpness of their senses, whether of hearing, sight or even smell.
—Jack Gedney, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024
Data privacy risks need to have a frame of reference.
—Jodi Daniels, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
Confuse consumers by defining a new category without a frame of reference.
—Steve Blank, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2024
Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 23 June 2024
Her stats, such as 24 points and 11.5 rebounds per game in the FIBA under-18 African Championship, or 21.5 points per game in the under-18 World Cup, are impressive, but with no real frame of reference as games are not readily available.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2024
That frame of reference often makes cooperative gaming, a genre that’s having a moment with 2023 quite possibly the best year for new cooperative titles in the hobby’s history, seem rather strange to new players.
—Keith Law, Vulture, 22 Mar. 2024
By way of explaining the strategic and tactical rationale of what was about to happen, the source resorted to a common frame of reference: the story of King Saul’s robe.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2024
Now, the frame of reference is changing, with proponents of surveillance presenting a false dichotomy: give away your location or people will die.
—Katie Joseff, Foreign Affairs, 22 May 2020
And there is another multifaceted way in which birds exceed our standard human frames of reference and appear like strange and extraordinary creatures: in the sharpness of their senses, whether of hearing, sight or even smell.
—Jack Gedney, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024
Data privacy risks need to have a frame of reference.
—Jodi Daniels, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
Confuse consumers by defining a new category without a frame of reference.
—Steve Blank, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'frame of reference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share