Definitions
- Referring to a song or poem that has a repeating chorus or refrain. - Describing a musical composition with a recurring melody or theme. - Talking about a dance in which participants form a circle and sing or chant together.
- Referring to a repeated phrase or verse in a song or poem. - Describing a musical interlude between verses or stanzas. - Talking about abstaining from doing something or holding back from expressing oneself.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to repetition in music or poetry.
- 2Both involve a recurring element in a larger composition.
- 3Both can be used to create a sense of unity or cohesion in a work of art.
- 4Both are often used in creative writing and music.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Roundelay is less common and more archaic than refrain.
- 2Structure: Roundelay refers specifically to a song or poem with a repeating chorus, while refrain can refer to any repeated phrase or verse.
- 3Function: Roundelay serves to unify a song or poem through repetition, while refrain can serve various functions such as emphasizing a point or creating a mood.
- 4Connotation: Roundelay has a more whimsical and playful connotation, while refrain can have a serious or somber connotation depending on the context.
Remember this!
Roundelay and refrain are both terms used in music and poetry to describe repetition. However, roundelay specifically refers to a song or poem with a repeating chorus, while refrain can refer to any repeated phrase or verse. Additionally, roundelay is less common and has a more playful connotation, while refrain can have a more serious or somber connotation depending on the context.
