How Do You Spell FRAY?

Pronunciation: [fɹˈe͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "fray" is spelled as /freɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first letter "f" represents the voiceless labiodental fricative sound, "r" is the voiced alveolar approximant, "a" is pronounced as the open front unrounded vowel, and "y" is the voiced palatal glide. The word means a noisy or disorderly fight, especially one involving a lot of people. It can also mean a piece of material that has frayed or become worn at the edges.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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FRAY Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "fray" is a noun that refers to a state of disorder or turbulence, characterized by conflict, chaos, or tension. In this context, "fray" describes a situation marked by intense rivalry, disagreement, or disagreement that often leads to unruly or confrontational behavior. It typically implies a lack of harmony or peacefulness, as people involved in a fray are engaged in a hostile or heated exchange.

    As a verb, "fray" signifies the action of unraveling or becoming worn at the edges, typically referring to fabric or material. It denotes the process of threads or fibers becoming frayed and tangled, leading to a rough or ragged appearance. This aspect of the term can also be used metaphorically to describe the deterioration or degradation of a situation or relationship over time.

    "Fray" is commonly employed in the context of battles or conflicts, where it denotes the intense fighting or commotion. It encapsulates the disarray and clamor that ensues during a violent engagement. Additionally, "fray" can describe a state of mental or emotional distress, indicating a person's state of heightened agitation or anxiety. It implies an individual's struggle with inner turmoil or strife.

    Overall, whether used as a noun or verb, "fray" illustrates a state of disorder, commotion, deterioration, or conflict, functioning as a powerful descriptor for the tumultuous, disrupted, or contentious aspects of various situations.

  2. • A broil; a quarrel; a contest.
    • To terrify; to frighten.
    • To rub; to wear away by rubbing.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for FRAY

Etymology of FRAY

The word "fray" has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Old French word "freier" which means "to disturb" or "to break" in the 12th century. The Old French word itself derived from the Latin word "fricare" which means "to rub" or "to chafe". Over time, the meaning of "fray" developed to refer to a fight or a skirmish, often implying a situation of physical or emotional tension.

Idioms with the word FRAY

  • fray around/at the edges The idiom "fray around/at the edges" typically means that something is starting to deteriorate or show signs of wear and tear, particularly when referring to a person or situation. It suggests that there are small but noticeable problems or weaknesses emerging, causing the overall quality or stability to weaken gradually.
  • above the fray The idiom "above the fray" means to remain detached or unaffected by conflicts, disputes, or controversial situations. It suggests staying at a higher perspective, not getting involved in the quarrel or chaos, and maintaining a more neutral or objective position.
  • fray around the edges The idiom "fray around the edges" means that something or someone is showing signs of wear and tear or is becoming slightly disheveled or disorganized. It implies that there are minor imperfections or problems that are starting to become noticeable.
  • tempers fray The idiom "tempers fray" means that people become increasingly angry, impatient, or irritable, usually in a tense or stressful situation.
  • enter the fray The idiom "enter the fray" means to join or become involved in a conflict, competition, or argument. It refers to actively participating in a situation where there is a struggle or heated exchange.
  • enter/join the fray The idiom "enter/join the fray" means to become involved in a conflict, dispute, or competition. It often refers to actively participating in a discussion, argument, or battle.
  • join the fray The idiom "join the fray" means to participate in a challenging or chaotic situation, often referring to getting involved in a conflict, argument, competition, or any intense or active event or activity. It conveys the idea of entering a situation that may be fierce, intense, or competitive.
  • fray at/around the edges/seams The idiom "fray at/around the edges/seams" typically refers to something that is starting to show signs of wear or deterioration. It means that there are small, noticeable imperfections or problems appearing in a system, object, or situation. These issues may not be significant or obvious at first, but they hint at a larger underlying problem that could worsen over time if not addressed.
  • fray at the edges The idiom "fray at the edges" means to show signs of wear or deterioration, especially in relation to a person's physical or mental state. It implies that someone or something is becoming increasingly worn out, strained, or unstable. The term "fray" refers to the unraveled or frayed threads typically found at the edges of a garment, symbolizing a gradual decline or disintegration.

Similar spelling words for FRAY

Plural form of FRAY is FRAYS

Conjugate verb Fray

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have frayed
you would have frayed
he/she/it would have frayed
we would have frayed
they would have frayed
I would have fray
you would have fray
he/she/it would have fray
we would have fray
they would have fray

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been fraying
you would have been fraying
he/she/it would have been fraying
we would have been fraying
they would have been fraying

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would fray
you would fray
he/she/it would fray
we would fray
they would fray

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be fraying
you would be fraying
he/she/it would be fraying
we would be fraying
they would be fraying

FUTURE

I will fray
you will fray
he/she/it will fray
we will fray
they will fray

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be fraying
you will be fraying
he/she/it will be fraying
we will be fraying
they will be fraying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have frayed
you will have frayed
he/she/it will have frayed
we will have frayed
they will have frayed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been fraying
you will have been fraying
he/she/it will have been fraying
we will have been fraying
they will have been fraying

IMPERATIVE

you fray
we let´s fray

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to fray

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was fraying
you were fraying
he/she/it was fraying
we were fraying
they were fraying

PAST PARTICIPLE

frayed

PAST PERFECT

I had frayed
you had frayed
he/she/it had frayed
we had frayed
they had frayed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been fraying
you had been fraying
he/she/it had been fraying
we had been fraying
they had been fraying

PRESENT

I fray
you fray
he/she/it frays
we fray
they fray

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am fraying
you are fraying
he/she/it is fraying
we are fraying
they are fraying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

fraying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have frayed
you have frayed
he/she/it has frayed
we have frayed
they have frayed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been fraying
you have been fraying
he/she/it has been fraying
we have been fraying
they have been fraying

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it fray

SIMPLE PAST

I frayed
you frayed
he/she/it frayed
we frayed
they frayed

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Correct spelling for fray
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