refraining
|re/frain/ing|
B2
/rɪˈfreɪnɪŋ/
(refrain)
hold back
Etymology
Etymology Information
'refrain' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'refrener', where 're-' meant 'back' and 'frenare' meant 'to restrain'.
Historical Evolution
'refrener' transformed into the Middle English word 'refraynen', and eventually became the modern English word 'refrain'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to restrain or hold back', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'refrain', meaning to hold oneself back from doing something.
She is refraining from eating sweets during her diet.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/12 20:50