fraying
UK[ˈfreɪɪŋ]US[ˈfreɪɪŋ]
v
(present participle) To become worn at the edge, typically so that threads become loose.
v
(present participle) To show the effects of strain; to become strained and tense.
Morpheme Breakdown
fray
ing
fray
to wear
ing
present participle suffix
Etymology
The word 'fraying' originates from the verb 'fray', which entered English via Old French 'freier', meaning to rub. This, in turn, derives from the Latin verb 'fricare', with the same core meaning of rubbing or chafing. The semantic evolution from the literal act of rubbing to the modern sense of wearing away at edges is direct and logical, as repeated friction causes material to unravel. The addition of the '-ing' suffix, of Germanic origin, transforms it into a participle describing the ongoing process of this wear or the resulting state of tension.
Analysis
Structure: fray (to wear) + ing (present participle suffix)
fray (from Old French 'freier', meaning to rub, from Latin 'fricare', meaning to rub); ing (from Old English '-ende', present participle suffix, indicating an ongoing action or state).
Examples
The cuffs of his old coat were fraying badly.
After hours of negotiation, tempers were fraying among the delegates.
Constant use has started fraying the rope at the point where it passes through the pulley.