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framing

FRAYM-ing /ˈfreɪmɪŋ/

nounC1GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formalneutral

The way in which an issue or topic is presented, influencing how it is understood and interpreted by the audience.

Framing is about selecting and highlighting certain aspects of a perceived reality and making them more salient in a communicating text, in such a way as to promote a particular interpretation, evaluation, and/or solution. It's a powerful tool in shaping public perception.

The story behind the word. The word 'frame' comes from Old English 'framian,' meaning 'to profit, avail, be strong.' Over time, it developed the sense of 'to construct' or 'to put together,' as in framing a house. The modern sense of 'framing' an issue or argument, meaning to present it in a particular way, emerged in the mid-20th century, drawing on the idea of setting something within a specific boundary or context.

Word relationships

perspective: A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
angle: A particular way of approaching or considering an issue or problem.
slant: A particular bias or point of view, especially one presented in order to influence opinion.

unbiased presentation: Presenting information without any particular perspective or emphasis.
raw data: Uninterpreted, unprocessed information.

Commonly confused with

narrative: Narrative is the overarching story; framing is the specific way elements within that story are highlighted or de-emphasized.

Word family

frame (verb): to construct or conceive (a plan, system, or statement)
framework (noun): a basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text

Collocations

media framing
political framing
framing effect
cognitive framing
issue framing

Example sentences

"The media's framing of the protest as a 'riot' rather than a 'demonstration' significantly altered public perception." Discussing media coverage.
"The debate over climate change often involves a battle of framing, with different sides emphasizing economic costs versus environmental urgency." Referring to a political debate.

Memory hook

Think of putting a picture in a 'frame' – you choose the frame to highlight the picture in a certain way. 'Framing' an issue is like choosing the right frame for the 'picture' of reality. Picture frame

When not to use

Do not use 'framing' if you simply mean 'explaining' or 'describing.' It implies a deliberate choice of perspective to influence understanding.

Fun facts

The concept of 'framing' is central to communication studies, political science, and psychology.
Different news outlets often use different frames when reporting on the same event, leading to varied public interpretations.