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
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
For a frame of reference, Jimmy Rollins played nearly a full season in that same Double-A Eastern League at the same age and hit .273-.336-.404 with 11 homers in 598 plate appearances.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
Any other frame of reference would just throw them into malfunction.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frame of reference 
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.
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
For a frame of reference, Jimmy Rollins played nearly a full season in that same Double-A Eastern League at the same age and hit .273-.336-.404 with 11 homers in 598 plate appearances.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
Any other frame of reference would just throw them into malfunction.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frame of reference
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 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share