framework.

an organized structure of ideas, rules, or elements used to guide understanding or action

Use it for

Words that belong together

• conceptual framework
• analytical framework
• legal framework

On the page

The chapter introduces a framework for comparing the institutions.

Within this framework, trust is treated as a social resource.

The legal framework limits which evidence may be used.

Usage notes

Primary curation section: Academic. In academic writing, a framework organizes analysis; it is not necessarily a tested explanatory theory. Plural: frameworks.