Refrain: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ต
refrain
[rษชหfreษชn ]
Definitions
in music
A repeated line or phrase in a song or poem, typically at the end of each verse.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| refrain |
Used to describe a repeated line or phrase in a song or poem. It can also refer to holding back from doing something.
|
| chorus |
Refers to a part of a song that is repeated after each verse, often the most memorable and catchy part.
|
| verse |
A section of a song or poem, usually consisting of several lines that form a unit. It tells a part of the story or delivers a message.
|
| line |
Describes a single row of words in a poem, song, or any written work. It can also mean a queue or a boundary.
|
Examples of usage
- The chorus of the song serves as the refrain.
- He couldn't get the refrain out of his head.
from doing something
Stop oneself from doing something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| refrain |
Used when choosing not to do something, often in a formal situation or to maintain decorum.
|
| abstain |
Typically used when deliberately choosing not to participate in something, often for moral, ethical, or health reasons.
|
| forbear |
Often used in legal or formal contexts to imply patience or self-control in not doing something.
|
| hold back |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe stopping oneself from expressing emotions, actions, or words.
|
Examples of usage
- She had to refrain from laughing during the serious meeting.
- He refrained from commenting on the issue.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old French 'refraindre', meaning to 'hold back'.
- Its Latin root, 'refrainere', means to 'restrain' or 'hold back', showing its history of self-control.
- The term has evolved through languages, reflecting cultural values on discipline and moderation.
Literature
- In poetry and songs, a refrain is a repeated line or phrase that emphasizes an idea or feeling.
- Famous examples include 'Nevermore' from Edgar Allan Poe's poem 'The Raven', which serves as a haunting refrain.
- Refrains can also create rhythm and connections in storytelling, drawing listeners back into the central theme.
Psychology
- Choosing to refrain can enhance self-control, a skill linked to better decision-making and emotional regulation.
- Studies suggest that refraining from immediate desires can lead to greater long-term satisfaction and healthier habits.
- Understanding personal triggers can help in practicing the art of refraining, aiding in personal development.
Music
- Refrains in music are similar to choruses, often making songs catchy and easy to remember.
- Famous songs use refrains to evoke emotional responses, leading to sing-alongs and collective enjoyment.
- In composition, a refrain can establish a theme that reappears throughout the piece, reinforcing its message.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV often highlights moments where contestants fail to refrain from bad behavior, leading to drama.
- Social media influencers might use refrains in their content, encouraging followers to refrain from negativity or self-doubt.
- Catchphrases in movies can act as cultural refrains, reminding audiences of important lessons or themes.
Translations
Translations of the word "refrain" in other languages:
๐ต๐น refrรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฐเคฟเคซเคผเฅเคฐเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Refrain
๐ฎ๐ฉ refrain
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะธัะฟัะฒ
๐ต๐ฑ refren
๐ฏ๐ต ใชใใฌใคใณ
๐ซ๐ท refrain
๐ช๐ธ estribillo
๐น๐ท nakarat
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋ ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุงุฒู ุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ refrรฉn
๐ธ๐ฐ refrรฉn
๐จ๐ณ ๅ ๅฅ
๐ธ๐ฎ refren
๐ฎ๐ธ viรฐlag
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะฐะนััะผะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แ แแคแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ nษqarษt
๐ฒ๐ฝ estribillo