framework
noun
Simple meaning
A support structure including joined parts or conglomerated particles and intervening open spaces of similar or larger size.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
fraymwerkSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈfɹeɪmwɚk
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
The underlying structure
“Providing a factual framework for future research.”
literally
A support structure comprising joined parts or conglomerated particles and intervening open spaces of similar or larger size.
figuratively
A basic conceptual structure.
figuratively
The larger branches of a tree that determine its shape.
software engineering
A reusable piece of code (and, sometimes, other utilities) providing a standard environment within which an application can be implemented.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- A1 · Beginner (estimated)
- Frequency
- Common
- Typical Use
- General English
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: (literally) A support structure comprising joined parts or conglomerated particles and intervening open spaces of similar or larger size.
Used this way, framework is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Matter-of-fact
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use framework
- “Providing a factual framework for future research.”noun
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin
Synonyms
Sense: underlying structure
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.