fray Definition
- 1a situation of intense activity, typically one incorporating an element of aggression or competition
- 2a fight, battle, or skirmish
Using fray: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fray" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The two teams were in a fray to win the championship.
Example
The political fray became increasingly heated as the election approached.
Example
The soldiers were exhausted after the long fray.
Example
The boxer emerged victorious from the fray.
fray Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using fray
Example
Trying to convince him to change his mind was a losing battle, so I gave up.
Example
Her first week as a teacher was a real baptism of fire, with several disruptive students and a difficult lesson plan.
a situation where people are very upset or angry about something that is not important
Example
The argument over the office temperature was just a storm in a teacup, and everyone soon forgot about it.
Phrases with fray
Example
The new company quickly entered the fray and began to compete with established businesses.
Example
His constant criticism really rubbed me up the wrong way and I had to leave the room to avoid an argument.
Example
The rival company threw down the gauntlet by announcing their new product launch on the same day as ours.
Origins of fray
from Old French 'freiier', meaning 'to rub'
Summary: fray in Brief
The term 'fray' [frey] refers to intense activity, often with an element of aggression or competition. It can denote a fight or battle, as in 'The boxer emerged victorious from the fray,' or a competitive situation, as in 'The two teams were in a fray to win the championship.' 'Fray' extends into phrases like 'in the fray,' denoting active involvement, and idioms like 'a losing battle,' implying a futile effort.
