what's the difference between "refrain" and "forbear" ?
Here is a sentence: In spite of all his efforts, he could not ___ from uttering a deep groan, which, however, was lost amid the noisy felicitations of the company.
According to the answer list, "refrain" is chosen for the blank. But I don't know why can't use "forbear" in this sentence, because I find the definitions of the two words similar. Please help me explaining the difference between the two words and it's better if you give me some examples of them. Thank you.

Question

what's the difference between "refrain" and "forbear" ?
Here is a sentence: In spite of all his efforts, he could not ___ from uttering a deep groan, which, however, was lost amid the noisy felicitations of the company.
According to the answer list, "refrain" is chosen for the blank. But I don't know why can't use "forbear" in this sentence, because I find the definitions of the two words similar. Please help me explaining the difference between the two words and it's better if you give me some examples of them. Thank you.

Answer

Just wanted to add that in the example you provided, "refrain" is the right solution because of the word "from". You can say "refrain from uttering" or "forbear uttering", but not "forebear from..."

Answer

we never use 'forbear'.

Answer

The only significant difference between the two is that forbear sounds more formal and literary.

Answers · 3

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