WordGarden.iorefrain
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪfrˈeɪn/
US
- /rɪˈfreɪn/
Meanings
Verb
to deliberately hold back from doing something
Noun
the repeated part of a song
a repeated line, phrase, or remark
Beyond the definition
A refrain has two common sides. In songs and poems, it is the part that comes back again and again, like a chorus or a repeated line that stays in your head. But it can also mean holding yourself back. If you refrain from doing something, you choose not to do it.
Think of it this way: sometimes the word is about a line returning, and sometimes it is about a person stopping themselves. You might hear a refrain in a song, or you might refrain from sending an angry message. In both cases, the idea of coming back or holding back is close to the heart of the word.
The word "refrain" has a fascinating double life. On one hand, it refers to a regularly repeated line or group of lines in a poem or song—that memorable chorus that sticks in your head. Think of the classic nursery rhyme "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"; the opening lines serve as the refrain that anchors the piece. It's the part designed to be remembered and enjoyed each time it appears.
But "refrain" also functions as a verb, meaning to deliberately stop yourself from doing something. You might refrain from interrupting a conversation, refrain from making a joke at the wrong moment, or refrain from spending money you do not have. In everyday English, this use often appears with "from," as in "refrain from speaking" or "refrain from commenting."
These two meanings can feel very different at first, but both are common and worth knowing. Whether you are enjoying a catchy chorus or practicing self-control, "refrain" points either to something that returns or to an action you hold back. It is a useful word for both music and everyday behavior.
Examples
- 1
Polite instruction
Please refrain from using your phone during the performance.
- 2
Emotional restraint
She refrained from answering right away because she was still upset.
- 3
Holding back
I wanted to laugh, but I refrained.
- 4
Repeated complaint
"We don't have the budget" was the manager's constant refrain.
- Phraseconstant refrain
something someone says again and again
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Song or poem
The singer invited the crowd to join in on the final refrain.
- Domain
in a song or poem, the refrain is the repeated part
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- indulge
- give in
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- refrain from
- please refrain from
- refrain from commenting
Word family
Explore
- self-restraint
- abstinence
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- refrainnounverb
Forms
- refrainedpast tenseverbnoun
- refraining-ing formverbnoun
- refrainspluralnounverb