framework
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a set of ideas, rules, or beliefs that you use to help you make a decision or plan.
a basic conceptual structure used to solve complex issues or provide a basis for a theory or plan.
Simple“The government is creating a new legal framework to protect the environment.”
In context“The researchers developed a theoretical framework to explain how social media influences political opinions in young adults.”
UsageOften used with 'within' or 'legal', 'theoretical', or 'regulatory'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the main parts of a building or object that hold it together and give it its shape.
a skeletal or structural frame designed to support or enclose something.
Simple“The steel framework of the new stadium was visible from miles away.”
In context“The wooden framework of the house was treated with chemicals to prevent damage from insects and moisture.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
a set of ready-made tools and code that programmers use to build apps more easily.
a reusable software environment that provides specific functionality as part of a larger software platform.
Simple“Many developers use this framework because it makes building websites much faster.”
In context“The application was built using a modern JavaScript framework to ensure high performance and easier maintenance.”
UsageCommonly used as a countable noun in technical documentation.
- 04 C1 Advanced
a system of rules used to describe how a language works.
a structured system of principles used for the analysis and description of linguistic structures.
Simple“The teacher explained the grammatical framework of the English tense system.”
In context“The study adopts a functional framework to analyse how native speakers use modal verbs in formal debates.”
Usage framework for understanding · adopt framework · develop framework
“Under this framework, you show up at Thanksgiving no matter what was said last year, because your family is your family.”
“LeBeau and Schaffling note that as of 2025, no other published, data-informed framework for international student academic success exists in the literature.”
From frame + work.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.