Refrain
/rɪˈfreɪn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something.
/rɪˈfreɪn/
To abstain from doing something.
The doctor advised him to refrain from smoking.
💡 Simply: Imagine you really, *really* want to eat the last cookie, but you're trying to be good. To *refrain* is to stop yourself from grabbing it! It's like saying 'no' to something you want to do.
👶 For kids: To stop yourself from doing something, even if you want to.
More Examples
I had to refrain from laughing during the serious moment.
She refrained from expressing her opinion until she had all the facts.
How It's Used
"She refrained from commenting on the controversial topic."
"He refrained from eating the cake because he was on a diet."
A repeated line or phrase, especially at the end of a stanza or between verses in a poem or song.
/rɪˈfreɪn/
A repeated line or number of lines in a poem or song.
The song's refrain was instantly memorable.
💡 Simply: In a song, the part that repeats over and over is called the *refrain*. It's like the chorus!
👶 For kids: A part of a song or poem that keeps repeating.
More Examples
The poem ended with a mournful refrain.
The band always plays their most popular song and the audience sings the refrain together.
How It's Used
"The poem's refrain was, 'Nevermore.'"
"The chorus serves as the song's refrain."
From Old French *refrener* ('to restrain, curb'), from Latin *refrenare* ('to bridle, check'), from *re-* ('back') + *frenum* ('bridle').
The word has been used in both its verbal and nominal forms since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of holding back a REIN (like on a horse). You're restraining yourself.
Word Origin
"to bridle, check"