refrain Definition
- 1stop oneself from doing something
- 2a repeated line or phrase in a song or poem
Using refrain: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "refrain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I had to refrain from laughing during the serious meeting.
Example
She refrained from commenting on the issue.
Example
The refrain of the song is catchy and memorable.
refrain Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with refrain
Example
Please refrain from smoking in the building.
Example
I refrained from telling her the truth.
Example
I'm tired of hearing the same old refrain about how hard it is to find good employees.
Origins of refrain
from Old French 'refraindre', meaning 'to hold back'
Summary: refrain in Brief
The verb 'refrain' [rɪˈfreɪn] means to stop oneself from doing something. It can also refer to a repeated line or phrase in a song or poem, known as a refrain. Examples of its use include 'I had to refrain from laughing during the serious meeting.' and 'The refrain of the song is catchy and memorable.' Its phrases include 'refrain from,' meaning to stop oneself from doing something, and 'the same old refrain,' referring to a phrase or idea that has become boring or predictable through overuse.