Main Entry:

³plain

Function:

adjective

Date:

14th century

1archaic : even, level2: lacking ornament : undecorated3: free of extraneous matter : pure4: free of impediments to view : unobstructed5 a (1): evident to the mind or senses : obvious <it's perfectly plain that they will resist> (2): clear <let me make my meaning plain> b: marked by outspoken candor : free from duplicity or subtlety : blunt <plain talk>6 a: belonging to the masses : common b: lacking special distinction or affectation : ordinary7: characterized by simplicity : not complicated <plain home-cooked meals>8: lacking beauty or ugliness

synonyms see common, evident, frank

— plain·ly adverb

— plain·ness \ˈplān-nəs\ noun