REFRAIN Meaning and
Definition
-
Refrain, as a verb, can be defined as the act of abstaining or resisting from doing something, particularly from an impulse or an action. It involves holding back, restraining, or preventing oneself from performing a specific behavior or action. Often, refraining implies a conscious effort to resist temptation, control emotions, or avoid negative consequences. It involves exercising self-discipline, willpower, or self-restraint to prevent or limit engaging in a particular activity or behavior.
Additionally, refrain can also function as a noun, referring to a repeated or recurrent phrase, line, or verse within a poem, song, or speech. In this sense, a refrain serves as a chorus or a repetitive element that occurs at intervals throughout a piece of literature or composition. It often contributes to the rhythm, emphasis, or overall structure of the work, creating a memorable and recognizable pattern.
Furthermore, a refrain can indicate the act of expressing or emphasizing a particular sentiment or idea repeatedly. In everyday language, it refers to a commonly known saying or piece of advice that is frequently repeated and acted upon.
Overall, whether used as a verb or a noun, refrain carries the notion of abstaining, resisting, or repeating certain actions, behaviors, or phrases. It encompasses both self-control over one's actions and the recurring motifs that add depth and structure to various forms of literature and expression.
-
• To restrain; to keep from action; to keep one's self from action or interference; to forbear.
• The burden of a song or piece of music; a kind of musical repetition.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for REFRAIN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for REFRAIN
Etymology of REFRAIN
The word "refrain" originated from the Old French term "refrener", which means "to curb, restrain". This verb was derived from the Latin word "refrenare", with "re-" indicating "back" and "frenare" meaning "to bridle". The initial use of "refrain" in English, around the 14th century, referred to the act of holding back horses or restraining oneself. Over time, the meaning of "refrain" expanded to include the repetition of a line or verse in a song or poem.
Idioms with the word REFRAIN
-
refrain from sth
The idiom "refrain from something" means to purposely avoid or abstain from doing something, typically an action or behavior, due to self-control, restraint, or an understanding of potential negative consequences. It involves holding back or resisting the urge to engage in a particular action or behavior.
Similar spelling words for REFRAIN
Conjugate verb Refrain
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have refrained
you
would have refrained
he/she/it
would have refrained
we
would have refrained
they
would have refrained
I
would have refrain
you
would have refrain
he/she/it
would have refrain
we
would have refrain
they
would have refrain
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been refraining
you
would have been refraining
he/she/it
would have been refraining
we
would have been refraining
they
would have been refraining
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would refrain
you
would refrain
he/she/it
would refrain
we
would refrain
they
would refrain
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be refraining
you
would be refraining
he/she/it
would be refraining
we
would be refraining
they
would be refraining
FUTURE
I
will refrain
you
will refrain
he/she/it
will refrain
we
will refrain
they
will refrain
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be refraining
you
will be refraining
he/she/it
will be refraining
we
will be refraining
they
will be refraining
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have refrained
you
will have refrained
he/she/it
will have refrained
we
will have refrained
they
will have refrained
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been refraining
you
will have been refraining
he/she/it
will have been refraining
we
will have been refraining
they
will have been refraining
IMPERATIVE
you
refrain
we
let´s refrain
to refrain
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was refraining
you
were refraining
he/she/it
was refraining
we
were refraining
they
were refraining
PAST PARTICIPLE
refrained
PAST PERFECT
I
had refrained
you
had refrained
he/she/it
had refrained
we
had refrained
they
had refrained
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been refraining
you
had been refraining
he/she/it
had been refraining
we
had been refraining
they
had been refraining
PRESENT
I
refrain
you
refrain
he/she/it
refrains
we
refrain
they
refrain
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am refraining
you
are refraining
he/she/it
is refraining
we
are refraining
they
are refraining
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
refraining
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have refrained
you
have refrained
he/she/it
has refrained
we
have refrained
they
have refrained
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been refraining
you
have been refraining
he/she/it
has been refraining
we
have been refraining
they
have been refraining
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
refrain
SIMPLE PAST
I
refrained
you
refrained
he/she/it
refrained
we
refrained
they
refrained
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
