Definitions for refrains

• Definition
• Anagrams (284)

refrains re·frain

Spelling: [ri-freyn]

IPA: /rɪˈfreɪn/

Refrains is a 8 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 11 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 12 points.

You can make 284 anagrams from letters in refrains (aefinrrs).

Definitions for refrains

noun

1. a phrase or verse recurring at intervals in a song or poem, especially at the end of each stanza; chorus.
2. Music. a musical setting for the refrain of a poem. any melody. the principal, recurrent section of a rondo.

verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to curb.

verb (used without object)

1. to abstain from an impulse to say or do something (often followed by from):

Origin of refrains

1300-50; Middle English refreinen Old French refrener Latin refrēnāre to bridle, equivalent to re- re- + frēn(um) bridle + -āre infinitive suffix

Examples for refrains

He refrains from setting his cleverness against the eloquence of the facts.

The choruses and the refrains of songs are pleasant for this reason.

Literary dilettanti envied him the refrains of his ballades.

The refrains act like sign-posts to help the child to mark the progress.

Here Sir Donald's curiosity is quickened, but he refrains from question or comment.

The refrains of “who lost Syria” and “who lost Egypt” can already be heard.

The refrains must be intoned if not sung to get the proper effect.

As looters roamed, you could hear a few of the refrains that have defined this situation, most notably “No justice, no peace.”

So long as Egypt refrains from warring against Israel, other Arab states cannot take military action by themselves.

Berg, characteristically, refrains from offering anything resembling a definitive conclusion.