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refrain

Nội động từ[C/U] Cả hai

Số nhiều: refrainsQuá khứ: refrainedPhân từ 2: refrainedV-ing: refrainingSo sánh hơn: nullSo sánh nhất: null

The verb carries a heavy sense of self-discipline and social expectation. It is frequently used in formal announcements, signage, or official requests where a polite but firm boundary is being set. It suggests a conscious choice to suppress a natural urge or a habitual action for the sake of etiquette or law. As a noun, the word evokes a sense of cyclical return. It describes the anchor of a musical piece that provides stability and familiarity. This quality extends to speech, where a refrain can describe a recurring theme or a repeated complaint that someone makes frequently.

Countable when referring to a specific repeated phrase in a song. Uncountable when describing the general act of self-restraint.

Ý nghĩa

Nội động từ

[doing]

To stop oneself from doing something, especially an impulse.

"Please refrain from smoking in the building."

Danh từ

[null]

A repeated line or phrase in a song or poem.

"The catchy refrain of the pop song stayed in my head all day."

Last Updated: May 31, 2026•Report an Error