refrain
B2formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To stop oneself from doing something; to resist an impulse or desire
A repeated line or phrase in poetry or music; to abstain or hold back from action
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb form often implies conscious self-restraint, while the noun form refers to a recurring element in artistic works. Can carry moral or ethical overtones when used as a verb.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both noun and verb forms are used identically in meaning and frequency across both varieties.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotations between varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in formal British writing, but negligible difference overall.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
refrain from + -ingrefrain + (object)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Refrain from comment”
- “The old refrain”
- “Refrain thy voice from weeping”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal communications to request restraint: 'Please refrain from personal discussions during meetings.'
Academic
Appears in ethical discussions or literary analysis: 'The poet employs a refrain to emphasize thematic unity.'
Everyday
Common in polite requests: 'Could you refrain from smoking here?'
Technical
Rare; might appear in legal or regulatory texts regarding prohibited actions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I must refrain from commenting on that issue.
- He refrained from laughing during the solemn ceremony.
American English
- Please refrain from using cell phones in the theater.
- She refrained from making any hasty decisions.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please refrain from talking in the library.
- The doctor advised him to refrain from eating fatty foods.
- Despite the provocation, she managed to refrain from responding angrily.
- The agreement obliges both parties to refrain from any unilateral action that might escalate tensions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REstrain + FRom = REFRAIN. Both mean to hold back.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRAINT IS PHYSICAL HOLDING BACK
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'refren' (musical refrain only). Verb requires 'from + -ing' structure, unlike Russian direct object.
- Do not confuse with 'restrain' (which involves external control).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'refrain to do' instead of 'refrain from doing'.
- Confusing noun (the chorus) and verb (to hold back) contexts.
Practice
Quiz
Which structure is grammatically correct with 'refrain'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, as a verb meaning 'to stop oneself,' it always requires 'from' followed by a noun or gerund.
They are similar, but 'abstain' often refers specifically to not voting or avoiding pleasures (like alcohol), while 'refrain' is broader for stopping any action.
Etymologically, yes—both come from Latin 'refrenare' (to bridle, restrain). The noun evolved via Old French meaning 'a repeating line' that 'holds back' the verse's progression.
It is neutral to formal. In very casual speech, people might say 'hold back' or 'stop' instead.