Refrain: Definition and Synonyms
Refrain – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “refrain” can function as both a noun and a verb, depending on its use in context.
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As a noun, it refers to a repeated line or set of lines usually at the end of each verse in a song.
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Example: The chorus and refrain are often identical in pop songs.
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As a verb, it means to stop oneself from doing something, especially something one wishes to do; to hold back or resist.
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Example: He refrained from commenting on the controversial issue during the meeting.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstain | To deliberately choose not to do something | She decided to abstain from voting due to a conflict of interest. | Formal, often used in formal settings or contexts requiring self-restraint. |
| Forbear | To exercise patience or restraint; to refrain gently | The teacher chose to forgo the usual punishment and instead spoke calmly to the student. | Formal or Literary |
| Hold back | To stop oneself from acting or expressing something | He had a strong reaction but held back his comments during the heated discussion. | Informal, Conversational |
| Resist | To oppose or fight against something; often used in contexts involving temptation or desire | Despite the tempting offer, she resisted spending more than her budget allowed. | Common, varies from casual to formal based on context |
Usage Notes
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Abstain: Often used in political, social, and religious contexts where one consciously decides not to participate in a specific action or behavior (e.g., voting, consuming alcohol).
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Forbear: This is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation. It often appears in literary works and suggests a gentle holding back.
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Hold back: More conversational and commonly understood, this phrase is useful for both speaking and writing when describing self-restraint in emotional or impulsive situations.
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Resist: Versatile and widely applicable across different contexts, “resist” can be used to describe resisting physical temptations as well as intangible ones like impulses or emotions.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusing “refrain from doing” with just “refrain.” When using it as a verb, remember that “refrain” is typically followed by the preposition “from” to indicate what action is being resisted or held back.
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Correct: She refrained from commenting on the issue.
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Incorrect: She refrained comment.
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Mixing up similar-sounding synonyms with different meanings. For example, “resist” and “refrain” both involve holding back, but “resist” often implies an active effort against a temptation or pressure, whereas “refrain” is more about choosing not to engage in something.
Final Recap
The verb form of “refrain” means to stop oneself from doing something and has several synonyms such as “abstain,” “forbear,” “hold back,” and “resist.” Each synonym carries its own nuance, making them suitable for different contexts ranging from formal settings to everyday conversations. Understanding these subtleties can significantly enhance your verbal and written expression.
To improve your command of this vocabulary, try constructing sentences with each synonym in various situations—like drafting a business email where you “abstain” from giving an opinion or writing a short story where a character must “forbear” from acting impulsively. By practicing these synonyms in context, you’ll be better equipped to communicate effectively across different scenarios.