Part of Speech

Noun, Verb, Adjective

Pronunciation

/frɪndʒ/

Definitions

• Fringe (noun): A decorative border of hanging threads, typically attached to a garment or curtain.
• Fringe (noun): The outer, marginal, or extreme part of something.
• Fringe (verb): To decorate or border with a fringe.
• Fringe (adjective): Peripheral or marginal; at the edge or boundary of something.

Usage Examples

• "She wore a dress with a beautiful fringe around the hem."
• "The fringe of the forest was teeming with wildlife."
• "The idea of a fringe society is often discussed in sociology."
• "They fringed the curtain with gold tassels."

Etymology

Fringe comes from Middle English frenge, from Old French frange, meaning "edge" or "border," which is derived from Latin frangere, meaning "to break" or "to separate." The term originally referred to a border or decorative edge of something.

Synonyms

• Edge
• Border
• Periphery
• Margin
• Outskirts

Antonyms

• Center
• Core
• Interior
• Middle

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In some dialects of English, the word "fringe" may be pronounced with a soft "g" sound, especially in rapid speech or informal contexts.
• In Australian English, "fringe" can sometimes be used more commonly in a cultural sense, such as in the "Fringe Festival" (a festival of alternative or experimental art forms).

Historical Usage

The term "fringe" has been used in various contexts throughout history, often to describe the outer edges or borders of something. In the 19th century, "fringe" began to refer more specifically to decorative borders on clothing or textiles. By the 20th century, it gained usage in a figurative sense, referring to peripheral or marginal elements of society, politics, or culture, such as "fringe groups" or "fringe events." The term also saw widespread adoption in the context of the performing arts with events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Cultural Nuances

The word "fringe" is often associated with alternative or avant-garde movements. In the arts, the "Fringe" is used to describe artistic endeavors that are unconventional or on the edges of mainstream culture, often breaking from traditional norms. The term "fringe" is used to describe political groups or social movements that are not considered mainstream but are still influential in shaping the broader discourse.

More Information

The concept of "fringe" continues to evolve as it relates to both material culture and social contexts. In modern times, the word is frequently used to describe events, groups, or phenomena that exist outside the mainstream or are at the periphery of accepted norms. For example, "Fringe Theatre" refers to performances that are experimental and often lower-budget compared to mainstream productions. "Fringe" groups in society may hold unconventional views or operate on the margins of political or social acceptance. Over time, the term has expanded beyond physical borders to encompass cultural and ideological spaces.