Refraining: meaning, definitions and examples

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refraining

[rɪˈfreɪnɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

self-control

The act of holding oneself back from doing something, especially something that one desires or is tempted to do.

Synonyms

abstaining, holding back, restraining.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
refraining	Used when talking about choosing not to do something often as a matter of principle or self-control. She is refraining from eating sweets during Lent. He is refraining from making any comments about the issue.
abstaining	Common in formal or health-related contexts to mean avoiding certain actions or substances, usually for moral, ethical, or health reasons. He is abstaining from alcohol for a month. She decided to abstain from voting on the controversial issue.
holding back	Typically used in informal settings to describe a deliberate pause or hesitation, often due to fear or uncertainty. She was holding back her tears during the goodbye. He's holding back his true feelings about the situation.
restraining	Often used to describe controlling one's own or others' physical or emotional actions, sometimes implying forceful control. The police were restraining the suspect with cuffs. He is restraining himself from reacting angrily.

Examples of usage

He was refraining from eating dessert to stick to his diet.
She was refraining from making any comments during the meeting.
They were refraining from laughing out loud at the inappropriate joke.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'refrainere', meaning to hold back.
In English, it has evolved to represent self-control or stopping oneself from action.
It's been in use since the late 14th century, showing how long people have been talking about self-restraint.

Psychology

Refraining can be an important part of impulse control, which is crucial for decision-making.
It is often linked to delayed gratification, where you resist short-term temptations for long-term benefits.
Mindfulness and meditation practices encourage refraining from reactive behaviors, promoting emotional regulation.

Cultural Practices

In some cultures, refraining from certain foods or activities during specific times (like Lent or Ramadan) is common as a form of spiritual discipline.
Many religious practices include refraining from actions deemed sinful or harmful, emphasizing moral integrity.
Cultural rituals often involve communal refraining, enhancing social bonds and community identity.

Literature

The theme of refraining appears frequently in poetry, often highlighting the struggle between desire and self-control.
Famous literary works explore characters who refrain from actions to maintain honor or virtue.
Authors often use refraining as a device to develop a character’s inner conflict, showcasing their personal growth.

Pop Culture

Songs about refraining from love or desire often resonate with listeners, reflecting shared human experiences.
Reality TV shows often showcase contestants struggling with refraining from speaking out or acting impulsively for strategic reasons.
Social media challenges often highlight refraining, such as 'no sugar' or 'no spending' challenges that encourage self-discipline.

Translations

Translations of the word "refraining" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abstinência

🇮🇳 संयम

🇩🇪 Zurückhaltung

🇮🇩 menahan diri

🇺🇦 утримання

🇵🇱 powstrzymywanie się

🇯🇵 自制

🇫🇷 abstention

🇪🇸 abstinencia

🇹🇷 kaçınma

🇰🇷 자제

🇸🇦 امتناع

🇨🇿 zdržení se

🇸🇰 zdržanlivosť

🇨🇳 克制

🇸🇮 vzdrževanje

🇮🇸 aðhald

🇰🇿 ұстамдылық

🇬🇪 თავშეკავება

🇦🇿 çəkinmək

🇲🇽 abstinencia

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,466, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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23463 scarves
23464 upbeat
23465 basally
23466 refraining
23467 proliferated
23468 unsupervised
23469 toasts
...