frame of reference

American  

noun

frames of reference plural

1. a structure of concepts, values, customs, views, etc., by means of which an individual or group perceives or evaluates data, communicates ideas, and regulates behavior.

2. Also called reference frame.  Physics. a framework that is used for the observation and mathematical description of physical phenomena and the formulation of physical laws, usually consisting of an observer, a coordinate system, and a clock or clocks assigning times at positions with respect to the coordinate system.

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frame of reference British  

noun

1. a set of basic assumptions or standards that determines and sanctions behaviour

2. any set of planes or curves, such as the three coordinate axes, used to locate or measure movement of a point in space

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frame of reference Scientific  

/ frām /

1. See reference frame

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• frames of reference
  plural

Etymology

Origin of frame of reference

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Today’s lawmakers looking for a frame of reference may want to read up on the efforts to regulate a questionable trading platform of an earlier era, the “bucket shop.”

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

This is rocking Britain in a way Americans may struggle to fathom if their frame of reference is U.S. public broadcasting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

At that time, their frame of reference came mostly from online images.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2025

But in doing the research, I kept seeing cases like Wells’ critique, and that changed my entire frame of reference.

From Salon • Oct. 6, 2024

I was thinking, In order for this to happen, your entire frame of reference will have to change, and you will be forced to surrender many things that you now scarcely know you have.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin