The phrase "refrain from" is commonly used to mean "to avoid doing something." The word "refrain" has the IPA phonetic transcription of /rɪˈfreɪn/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "re" prefix is pronounced as /rɪ/ and the root word "frain" as /freɪn/. The spelling of the word "refrain" follows the English pronunciation rules, with the "ai" diphthong pronounced as /eɪ/. When combined with the preposition "from," the two words form a fixed phrase with a specific meaning.
To "refrain from" means to deliberately abstain or hold oneself back from a particular action, behavior, activity, or habit. It implies choosing not to engage in something, often due to a conscious decision based on various factors such as personal choice, social norms, ethics, or the potential consequences of the action.
This phrase carries a sense of willpower and self-control, as it involves consciously resisting the temptation or inclination to partake in an action or behavior. "Refrain from" suggests a deliberate act of restraint or the intentional avoidance of a specific action. For example, a person may choose to refrain from eating unhealthy foods to maintain a balanced diet or may refrain from engaging in gossip to foster a more positive environment.
"Refrain from" can also denote the act of avoiding or abstaining from expressing certain emotions or thoughts. It implies holding back from verbalizing or displaying a particular sentiment. For instance, one might refrain from criticizing a friend's outfit to avoid hurting their feelings or refrain from expressing anger in order to maintain peace in a situation.
Overall, the concept of "refrain from" centers on the idea of consciously deciding not to participate in an action, behavior, or expression, often driven by personal choice, moral beliefs, or societal norms.
The word "refrain" originated from the Old French word "refraindre" which meant "to hold back" or "to curb". It was derived from the Latin word "refrangere" which meant "to break up" or "to shatter". The word "from" itself has Old English roots and has been used to indicate separation or arising out of a particular source. Therefore, when the words "refrain" and "from" are used together, it implies the act of holding back or abstaining from a certain action or behavior.