VocabularyFast
refrain in the wild
Real-life situations where you can use this word
During a community choir practice, the director was preparing the group for an upcoming concert. A particularly challenging solo piece was coming up, and the director emphasized the importance of the choir's silence during that section. The singers practiced holding their breath and staying perfectly still.
The soprano hit a beautiful high note, but the choir had to refrain from singing along until her solo was finished.
The choir must hold back or keep themselves from doing something (singing) to allow the solo to be heard clearly.
Sarah is helping her friend Mark stick to a new diet plan. Mark has been doing well with his healthy eating habits, but he struggles with his sweet tooth, especially when he's stressed from work. Sarah is reminding him of his commitment to avoid sugary treats on weekdays.
I know you love chocolate cake, but for your health, you really need to refrain from eating it during the week.
Mark is being asked to consciously avoid or keep himself from doing something (eating cake) that he desires.
A tense legal case was underway, and the courtroom was filled with anxious observers. One individual in the gallery became increasingly agitated by the testimony being presented. The judge, noticing the disruption, decided to issue a clear warning to maintain order.
The judge sternly warned the spectator, 'You will refrain from any outbursts or you will be removed from the courtroom.'
The judge is commanding the spectator to hold back from or abstain from disruptive behavior.
An emerging artist had meticulously curated their first major gallery show. They had spent months selecting pieces and arranging them to create a specific atmosphere. When the gallery owner suggested modernizing the lighting for more visual appeal, the artist expressed their strong preference against any changes.
The gallery owner wanted to add flashy neon lights, but the artist insisted they refrain from altering the original mood of the exhibition.
The gallery owner is being asked to hold back from making changes that would compromise the artist's vision.
An usher is addressing the audience just before a classical music concert is about to begin. They are standing at the entrance to the main hall, speaking calmly but firmly to patrons as they take their seats, reminding them of the theater's policy.
Please refrain from using your mobile phones during the performance to ensure an uninterrupted experience for everyone.
The audience is being asked to abstain from or hold back from the action of using their phones.