refrain

¹re·frain

verb \ri-ˈfrān\

Definition of REFRAIN

transitive verb

archaic

: curb, restrain

intransitive verb

: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse <refrained from having dessert>

— re·frain·ment \-mənt\ noun

Examples of REFRAIN

1. I was going to make a joke but I refrained.

Origin of REFRAIN

Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle — more at frenum

First Known Use: 14th century

²refrain

noun

Definition of REFRAIN

: a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus; also : the musical setting of a refrain

Examples of REFRAIN

1. A common refrain among teachers these days is that the schools need more funding.
2. <I didn't know the verses of the song, so I only sang on the refrain.>

Origin of REFRAIN

Middle English refreyn, from Middle French refrain, alteration of Old French refrait melody, response, from past participle of refraindre to break up, moderate, from Vulgar Latin *refrangere, alteration of Latin refringere — more at refract

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REFRAIN

Synonyms

burden, chorus

Related Words

repeat, response

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, riff, segue