Refraining

Pronunciation: /rɪˈfreɪnɪŋ/

Definitions of refraining

verb to abstain or hold oneself back from doing something

Example Sentences

A1 I am refraining from eating junk food to stay healthy.

A2 She is refraining from speaking until she has all the facts.

B1 The doctor advised refraining from strenuous exercise after surgery.

B2 The company is refraining from making any new investments until the market stabilizes.

C1 The politician is refraining from commenting on the issue until more information is available.

C2 The CEO refrained from making a decision until consulting with the board of directors.

Examples of refraining in a Sentence

formal The company policy prohibits employees from refraining from wearing proper safety gear.

informal I suggest refraining from talking about politics at the dinner table.

slang Dude, you should totally refrain from hitting up your ex, it's not worth it.

figurative Sometimes refraining from saying anything is the best way to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Grammatical Forms of refraining

• past tense: refrained
• plural: refrains
• comparative: more refraining
• superlative: most refraining
• present tense: refrain
• future tense: will refrain
• perfect tense: have refrained
• continuous tense: is refraining
• singular: refrain
• positive degree: refraining
• infinitive: to refrain
• gerund: refraining
• participle: refrained

Origin and Evolution of refraining

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old French and Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'refraining' originated from the Old French word 'refrener' which came from the Latin word 'refrenare' meaning 'to curb, check, or restrain'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'refraining' has retained its original meaning of restraining oneself from doing something, but it has also come to be used in a broader sense of holding back or abstaining from various actions or behaviors.