refrain
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/rɪˈfreɪn/
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To hold yourself back from doing something.
Examples
Listeners hummed the refrain after the first verse.
We must refrain from spreading rumors until we know the facts.
The band changed the refrain for the live performance.
He refrained from commenting on the controversial topic.
They refrain from using plastic bags whenever possible.
Similar words
motif
chorus
hook
forgo
phrase
repeating line
verse
abstain
eschew
avoid
Meanings
Examples
She refrains from checking her phone during meals.
He refrained from commenting on the controversial topic.
They refrain from using plastic bags whenever possible.
I had to refrain from laughing at the awkward joke.
The coach told the players to refrain from arguing with the referee.
We must refrain from spreading rumors until we know the facts.
Similar words
avoid
abstain
shun
eschew
forgo
withhold
Examples
The catchy refrain follows each chorus.
Listeners hummed the refrain after the first verse.
The poet repeats the refrain to emphasize the theme.
In the song, the refrain is only four words long.
She wrote a haunting refrain that stays in your mind.
The band changed the refrain for the live performance.
Similar words
chorus
hook
repeating line
phrase
motif
verse
FAQ
What does refrain mean as a verb?
It means to hold yourself back from doing something.
What does refrain mean as a noun?
It is a short phrase that is repeated in a song or poem.
How is refrain used in everyday language?
It is used as a verb to avoid, abstain, or shun an action.
What is a refrain in music or poetry?
It is the repeated line or phrase that appears throughout the piece.
What are synonyms for refrain when it is a verb?
Synonyms include avoid, abstain, shun, eschew, forgo, withhold.
What are synonyms for refrain when it is a noun?
Synonyms include chorus, hook, repeating line, phrase, motif, verse.
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