A semantic frame is a mental structure that helps individuals understand and interpret the meaning of words and phrases in context. It consists of a set of concepts and relationships that provide background knowledge for interpreting language. For example, the frame for the word restaurant includes concepts like menu, waiter, and dining. Semantic frames are essential in linguistics and cognitive science, as they reveal how language reflects our understanding of the world. They help explain how different words can evoke specific images or ideas based on shared experiences and cultural knowledge, enhancing communication and comprehension.