Main Entry: ³plain

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

1 archaic : even, level
2 : lacking ornament : undecorated
3 : free of extraneous matter : pure
4 : free of impediments to view : unobstructed
5 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 : ordinary
7 : 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