1. A recurring theme, melody, or repeated phrase that is gloomy, ominous, or melancholic in nature
The dark refrain of loss echoed throughout the poem.
O refrão sombrio da perda ecoava por todo o poema.
2. A repeated musical or lyrical motif associated with sadness, despair, or sinister undertones
The composer used a dark refrain as the emotional core of the symphony.
O compositor usou um refrão sombrio como núcleo emocional da sinfonia.