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Fray vs Fry - What's the difference?

fray | fry |

In archaic terms the difference between fray and fry

is that fray is fright while fry is a swarm, especially of something small (a fry of children).

In intransitive terms the difference between fray and fry

is that fray is to rub while fry is to cook in hot fat.

In transitive terms the difference between fray and fry

is that fray is to bear the expense of; to defray while fry is to cook (something) in hot fat.

As a proper noun Fry is

{{surname}.

fray

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) frai, aphetic variant of affray.

Noun

(en noun)
  • Affray; broil; contest; combat; brawl; melee.
  • Though they did not know the reason for the dispute, they did not hesitate to leap into the fray .
  • * Shakespeare
  • Who began this bloody fray ?
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2010 , date=December 29 , author=Mark Vesty , title=Wigan 2 - 2 Arsenal , work=BBC citation , page= , passage=Wigan, unbeaten in five games at the DW Stadium, looked well in control but the catalyst for Arsenal's improvement finally came when Diaby left the field with a calf injury and Jack Wilshere came into the fray , bringing some much needed determination and urgency to lacklustre Arsenal. }}
  • (archaic) fright
  • Etymology 2

    From (etyl) fraien, from (etyl) frayer, from (etyl) .

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To unravel; used particularly for the edge of something made of cloth, or the end of a rope.
  • The ribbon frayed at the cut end.
  • (figuratively) To cause exhaustion, wear out (a person's mental strength).
  • The stressful day ended in frayed nerves. (Metaphorical use; nerves are visualised as strings)
  • (archaic) frighten; alarm
  • * 1662 , , Book II, A Collection of Several Philosophical Writings of Dr. Henry More, p. 63:
  • "Besides, all the wit and Philosophy in the world can never demonstrate, that the killing and slaughtering of a Beast is anymore then the striking of a Bush where a Bird's Nest is, where you fray away the Bird, and then seize upon the empty Nest."
  • * Spenser
  • What frays ye, that were wont to comfort me affrayed?
  • To bear the expense of; to defray.
  • * Massinger
  • The charge of my most curious and costly ingredients frayed , I shall acknowledge myself amply satisfied.
  • To rub.
  • * Sir Walter Scott
  • We can show the marks he made / When 'gainst the oak his antlers frayed .

    fry

    English

    Etymology 1

    From (etyl) frien, from (etyl) frire, from (etyl)

    Verb

    (en-verb)
  • To cook (something) in hot fat.
  • To cook in hot fat.
  • (colloquial) To suffer because of too much heat.
  • You'll fry if you go out in this sun with no sunblock on.
  • (informal) To be executed by the electric chair.
  • He's guilty of murder — he's going to fry.
  • (informal) To destroy (something, usually electronic) with excessive heat, voltage, or current.
  • If you apply that much voltage, you'll fry the resistor.
    Synonyms
    * See also
    Derived terms
    * fried * frying * have other fish to fry

    Noun

    (fries)
  • (usually in plural'' fries ) (''mainly Canada and US ) A fried potato.
  • (Ireland, British) A meal of fried sausages, bacon, eggs, etc.
  • (colloquial, archaic) A state of excitement.
  • to be in a fry
    (Webster 1913)
    Synonyms
    * (fried potato''): chip (''Australia, New Zealand, UK ), fried potato * (meal of fried sausages, bacon, etc ): fry-up

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl) .

    Noun

    (fries)
  • Offspring; progeny; children; brood.
  • Young fish; fishlings.
  • * 1644 , (John Milton), Aeropagitica :
  • it is not possible for man to sever the wheat from the tares, the good fish from the other frie ; that must be the Angels Ministery at the end of mortall things.
  • (archaic) A swarm, especially of something small (a fry of children ).
  • The spawn of frogs.
  • Derived terms
    * small fry English ergative verbs