Words / C1

ri-FRAYN/rɪˈfreɪn/

To refrain is to stop yourself from doing something (refrain from): refrain from comment. Abstain is a close twin, often of votes; the noun refrain is a repeated line in a song — different sense. A lobby briefing before midnight is still a leak.

Meaning

To stop yourself from doing something (refrain from); also a repeated line in a song.

Examples

• “Refrain from briefing the lobby until the embargo lifts.”
• “Abstain is the vote twin. Hold back is everyday. A chorus is music. A clock is the rule. Wait for midnight; then brief.”

Good to know

Hold back from doing (from). Close: abstain. Mix-up: a song refrain. Early briefing is a leak.

Near in meaning

abstain

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