What is refrain in poetry?
In poetry, a refrain is a word, line or phrase that is repeated within the lines or stanzas of the poem itself.
What is an example for refrain?
The definition of a refrain is the part of a song or poem that is repeated. An example of refrain is the part “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind, The answer is blowin’ in the wind.” in Peter Paul and Mary’s 1960’s folk song “Blowing in the Wind.”
Why is refrain used?
Poets use refrains, or repeated lines, most often placed at the end of a stanza, to reinforce the main theme or point of a poem. The refrains, because they were repeated over and over, became easier for listeners to remember. This tradition has persisted to the present day.
What’s the difference between repetition and refrain in poetry?
Refrain is a type of repetition, but it is somewhat different from repetition. Refrain is repetition of usually a line, a phrase, two or three lines, or even words in a poem. Repetition, on the other hand, involves repetition of words, phrases, syllables, or even sounds in a full piece.
What does repeated refrain mean?
noun. Definition of refrain (Entry 2 of 2) 1 : a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus also : the musical setting of a refrain. 2 : a comment or statement that is often repeated.
What is refrain in grammar?
1 : a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus also : the musical setting of a refrain. 2 : a comment or statement that is often repeated. Other Words from refrain Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About refrain.
How long is a refrain?
A refrain is short, usually 1- or 2-lines long. The way the verse progression and melody end. With a refrain, the verse will often end on a non-tonic chord, requiring the refrain to help bring it to a proper close.
What is a refrain for kids?
Kids Definition of refrain : to keep from giving in to a desire or impulse I wanted to laugh but refrained. refrain. noun. Kids Definition of refrain (Entry 2 of 2) : a phrase or verse repeated regularly in a poem or song.
What is the effect of a refrain?
Refrain is purely a poetic device, and the most important function that a refrain may serve in poetry is to lay emphasis and create rhythm. When a line or phrase recurs in a poem, or a piece of literature, it becomes noticeable to the readers.
When does a refrain appear in a poem?
Refrain in poetry is a repeated part of a poem that appears either at the end of a stanza or between two stanzas. It can be a verse, a line, a set or a group of lines.
Is there a refrain at the end of a stanza?
Another difference is that a refrain in a poem may appear at the end of a stanza; however, this recurrence of words and phrases in repetition may occur in any line of stanza. Villanelle, on the contrary, is a poetic form consisting of nineteen lines that uses refrain in its first and third lines.
Which is the best definition of the refrain?
Definition of Refrain. Refrain is a verse, a line, a set, or a group of lines that appears at the end of stanza, or appears where a poem divides into different sections. It originated in France, where it is popular as, refraindre, which means “to repeat.”. Refrain is a poetic device that repeats, at regular intervals, in different stanzas.
What is the purpose of the refrain in a song?
The refrain is a versatile literary device that takes many forms and has many purposes. Writers, musicians, and orators use refrains in songs, speeches, and poems in order to drive a point home, aid a reader or listener’s memory, establish central themes, and create structure.