A word or a phrase that is repeated at regular intervals in a poem or a play is a

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing a word or phrase that is repeated at regular intervals in a poem (or play).

Step 2: Explain the concept and check each option

• A. Dirge: A song or poem of mourning, usually sung at a funeral. It is defined by its theme (grief), not by repetition.
• B. Refrain: A line, phrase, or word repeated at regular intervals, often at the end of each stanza. It reinforces the theme, adds rhythm, and creates emphasis. This matches the question exactly.
• C. Lullaby: A soothing song sung to put a child to sleep. It is defined by its purpose.
• D. Verse: A single line of poetry, or sometimes a stanza. It does not mean repetition.

Step 3: Identify the answer The term for a word or phrase repeated at regular intervals is a refrain.

Example: In many Nigerian folk songs and in call-and-response poetry, the chorus line that returns after each stanza is a refrain.

Exam tip: Remember "REfrain = REpeat". When a question mentions repetition at intervals, think refrain.