frame of reference

noun

, plural frames of reference.

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.

frame of reference

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

frame of reference

/ frām /

1. See reference frame

Word History and Origins

Origin of frame of reference¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

These professional millionaires plus Democrats can only reference the middle class because it’s their only social frame of reference.

From Salon

"I had no frame of reference of what I was getting myself into," Lawrence, 28, told BBC Sport.

From BBC

In terms of palate, I get my Chinese flare and frame of reference for ingredients in the kitchen from my father and his side of the family.

From Salon

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

From Salon

Hearing those comments "put me right back" in the recording studio, said Law, explaining that Britten's use of tonal ambiguity "didn't fit the normal frame of reference for a school choir".

From BBC