easy
Please refrain from talking during the quiet reading time.
What does Refrain mean?
Refrain means hold back, or a repeated song part.
Dictionary definition
To stop yourself from doing something; also, a repeated line or part in a song or poem.
Example sentences
Refrain in a sentence
medium
The refrain in the song was easy for the class to remember.
hard
The poem's refrain repeated the main idea and gave the writing rhythm.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Refrain
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does refrain mean?
Refrain means hold back, or a repeated song part.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to refrain?
Hold back is close to refrain in this main meaning.
Practice 3
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: Please ____ from talking during the quiet reading time.
Refrain best completes the sentence.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
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Refrain
Voice settings
Sounds like
ri · frayn · strongest beat: frayn
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordRefrain.
Partverb, noun.
MeaningRefrain means hold back, or a repeated song part.
ExampleExample: Please refrain from talking during the quiet reading time.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- ri · frayn
- Strongest beat
- frayn
- Ending
- frayn
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on frayn.
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Nice work—you practiced refrain.
Synonyms
Words like Refrain
Antonyms
Opposite words
continueA contrast for not stopping.
repeat once onlyA contrast for a part that is not repeated.
Synonym practice
Want to practice refrain synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Please refrain from talking during silent reading," then compare close word choices. Practice refrain synonyms.
Word family
Refrain word family
Base word
refrain
verb
refrains
Holds back now or often; also repeated song parts.
verb
refrained
Held back in the past.
verb
refraining
Holding back now.
Related words
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Learning activities
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