refrain

[rɪˈfreɪn]

refrain Definition

• 1. stop oneself from doing something
• 2. a 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

Synonyms for refrain

• abstain
• desist
• restrain
• chorus
• repeated line

Antonyms for refrain

• indulge
• continue
• verse

Phrases with refrain

• refrain from

  to stop oneself from doing something

  Example

  Please refrain from smoking in the building.

• refrain from doing something

  to avoid doing something

  Example

  I refrained from telling her the truth.

• the same old refrain

  a phrase or idea that has become boring or predictable through overuse

  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'

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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.