What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ostinato
Example
The bassline in this song serves as an ostinato that repeats throughout the entire piece. [ostinato: noun]
Example
The pianist played an ostinato pattern with his left hand while improvising with his right. [ostinato: adjective]
refrain
Example
The refrain of this song is so catchy, it's stuck in my head. [refrain: noun]
Example
She sang the refrain with such emotion that it gave me chills. [refrain: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Refrain is more commonly used than ostinato in everyday language, especially in the context of popular music. Refrain is a versatile term that can be used in various musical genres, while ostinato is more specific to classical and contemporary music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ostinato and refrain?
While ostinato is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, refrain is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.
