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{%type%} Definitions

WordNet 3.0Copyright Princeton University
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Short "hint"

To hold oneself back. Also: A repeated phrase or verse of a song or poem.

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Usage examples (34)
  • You needn't love your enemy, but if you refrain from telling lies about him, you are doing well enough.
  • During hit song "Oh Mandy," Krill's voice warbled the title refrain to aching effect and reminded listeners why it became so infectious.
  • The anthem's refrain translates as: "Grab your weapons, citizens!
  • That refrain is basically repeated in Mish's piece.
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We give special thanks to our LearnThat volunteers, as well as Princeton University and Wiktionary for their Open Source word data. We're also grateful for the support given by Google, Wordnik.com, Dictionary.com, Stands4.com and YouTube, OEDILF.com, Kylescholz.com, Best-Practice.com, Forvo.com, as well as the generous Creative Commons community.