LookItUp

fray

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /freɪ/

fray means: If cloth or rope does this, threads come loose at its edges; you can also cause this damage.

verb

LOOSE THREADSB2

If cloth or rope does this, threads come loose at its edges; you can also cause this damage.

  • The rope is starting to fray.
  • Rubbing against the wall frayed his sleeve.
  • My jeans have frayed at the bottom.

How to use it: fray at something (The cloth began to fray at the corners.)

Similar words: unravel

Common phrases: fray at edges, fray the fabric

LOSE CALMC1

To gradually lose patience or emotional strength, or cause someone to lose it.

  • Tempers began to fray.
  • The constant noise frayed my nerves.
  • Her patience was fraying after hours of waiting.

Similar words: wear down, strain

Common phrases: fray someone’s nerves, tempers begin to fray

Questions about fray

What does fray mean?

If cloth or rope does this, threads come loose at its edges; you can also cause this damage.

What is fray in other languages?

Türkçe: saçaklanmak · Español: deshilacharse · Français: s’effilocher · Deutsch: ausfransen · Italiano: sfilacciarsi · 日本語: ほつれる

How do you pronounce fray?

It is pronounced /freɪ/.

How do you use fray in a sentence?

The rope is starting to fray. Rubbing against the wall frayed his sleeve.

Learn fray while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

fray in other languages

More words