The spelling of "refrains" can be a bit tricky, but with the help of IPA phonetic transcription, it becomes clearer. The word is spelled as "rɪˈfreɪnz" in IPA. The first syllable "rɪ" is pronounced as "ree" and the second syllable "fr" is pronounced as "fruh." The final syllable "ains" is pronounced as "ānz," with a long A sound and an N-Z sound. Altogether, "refrains" is pronounced as "ree-fruh-ānz," meaning a repeated phrase or verse in a song or poem.
Refrains, in its noun form, refer to recurring lines or phrases repeated in a poem, song, or other form of literature. These repetitions typically appear after each stanza or verse, functioning as a unifying element in the piece, enhancing its structure and creating rhythmic or thematic patterns. The purpose of refrains can vary depending on the context and intent of the writer. Sometimes, they serve as poetic devices aimed at emphasizing a particular theme or idea by reinforcing its presence throughout the work.
In music, refrains are similar in concept, representing a repeated section of a song that typically includes both the melody and lyrics. This segment usually emerges after each verse, acting as a melodic anchor that listeners can readily identify and connect with. In popular music, the refrain is often catchy and memorable, functioning as a recurring hook that can be easily remembered and sung along to by the audience.
Refrains can play a significant role in both literature and music, contributing to the overall impact and coherence of a creative piece. They provide a sense of familiarity, whether through poetic repetition or melodic repetition, emphasizing key ideas or melodies and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The word "refrains" originated from Middle English "refreinen", which can be traced back to the Old French word "refraindre". This Old French term came from the Latin word "refrangere", which means "to break off" or "to check". The Latin word is composed of the prefix "re-" (meaning "back") and "frangere" (meaning "to break"). Over time, the word "refrains" transitioned from its original meaning of "to break off" to refer to a repeated phrase or line in poetry or song.