Definitions
- Describing the act of holding back from doing something, usually due to a sense of self-control or discipline. - Referring to the repetition of a phrase or verse in a song or poem. - Talking about avoiding or abstaining from something, often due to moral or ethical reasons.
- Describing the act of physically holding back or preventing someone or something from moving or acting. - Referring to the act of controlling one's emotions or impulses. - Talking about limiting or restricting something, often for safety or security reasons.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve some form of control or limitation.
- 2Both words can be used in the context of self-control or discipline.
- 3Both words can be used to describe physical actions.
What is the difference?
- 1Action: Refrain refers to holding back from doing something, while restrain refers to physically holding back or preventing something from happening.
- 2Emotion: Refrain is often associated with controlling one's emotions or desires, while restrain can also refer to emotional restraint but is more commonly used in the context of physical restraint.
- 3Purpose: Refrain is often used to avoid or abstain from something, while restrain is used to limit or restrict something for safety or security reasons.
- 4Intensity: Refrain is often used in a milder context, while restrain can imply a stronger level of force or control.
- 5Usage: Refrain is more commonly used in the context of language and music, while restrain is more commonly used in the context of physical actions and situations.
Remember this!
Refrain and restrain are two words that involve control or limitation. However, the difference between them lies in their action, purpose, intensity, and usage. Refrain refers to holding back from doing something, often due to self-control or discipline, while restrain refers to physically holding back or preventing something from happening, often for safety or security reasons.
