refrain
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for refrain, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To stop oneself from doing something; to hold back.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use refrain
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French refrener, from Latin refrenare ("to bridle, hold back"), from re- plus frenum ("a bridle").
Full origin of refrain →Frequently asked questions
What does “refrain” mean?
The word “refrain” means to stop oneself from doing something; to hold back. In plain terms, to hold yourself back from doing something, or (as a noun) a repeated line in a song or a frequently repeated comment.
How do you pronounce “refrain”?
“Refrain” is pronounced rih-FRAYN (/ɹɪˈfɹeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “refrain” in a sentence?
Here is “refrain” used in a sentence: “Please refrain from smoking near the entrance.”
What part of speech is “refrain”?
Depending on how it is used, “refrain” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “refrain” come from?
The word “refrain” comes from Latin. From Old French refrener, from Latin refrenare ("to bridle, hold back"), from re- plus frenum ("a bridle").
Is “refrain” a common word?
“Refrain” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “refrain” have?
“Refrain” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to stop oneself from doing something; to hold back.
What is the difference between refrain and abstain?
Refrain means to stop oneself from doing something in a general sense, often temporarily or in a specific situation, such as asking someone to refrain from talking during a movie. Abstain has a narrower, often more formal use, especially for voting, food, or drink, as in abstaining from alcohol or abstaining from a vote. Refrain is broader and more commonly used in everyday requests.
When should you use refrain instead of chorus for a song?
Refrain and chorus are often used interchangeably for the repeated line or section of a song, but refrain more precisely refers to the repeated phrase itself, while chorus can also describe the group of singers performing it. In poetry, refrain is the standard term for a recurring line at the end of each verse.
What does it mean when someone says 'that's her constant refrain'?
This use of refrain describes a frequently repeated remark, complaint, or idea that someone brings up again and again, similar to how a musical refrain recurs throughout a song. It carries a slightly weary or resigned tone, suggesting the listener has heard it many times before.