Origin and Etymology of plain
Middle English, from Anglo-French pleindre, plaindre, from Latin plangere to lament — more at plaint
plain
Definition of plain
1a : an extensive area of level or rolling treeless countryb : a broad unbroken expanse
2 : something free from artifice, ornament, or extraneous matter
Examples of plain in a Sentence
the Great Plains of the United States
the first settlers in that area lived on the vast plains in lonely log cabins
Origin and Etymology of plain
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin planum, from neuter of planus flat, plain — more at floor
Other Geology Terms
anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale
plain
Definition of plain
2 : lacking ornament : undecorated
3 : free of extraneous matter : pure
4 : free of impediments to view : unobstructed
5a (1) : evident to the mind or senses : obvious it's perfectly plain that they will resist (2) : clear let me make my meaning plainb : marked by outspoken candor : free from duplicity or subtlety : blunt plain talk
6a : belonging to the masses : commonb : lacking special distinction or affectation : ordinary
7 : characterized by simplicity : not complicated plain home-cooked meals
8 : lacking beauty or ugliness
plainly
adverbExamples of plain in a Sentence
It was a plain room with no curtains.
She was wearing plain black shoes.
He printed the picture on plain paper.
a piece of plain chicken
You don't have to call me Mr. Johnson—just plain Fred will be fine.
What he said is a lie, plain and simple.
First Known Use of plain
14th century
Synonym Discussion of plain
evident, manifest, patent, distinct, obvious, apparent, plain, clear mean readily perceived or apprehended. evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion. an evident fondness for sweets manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required. manifest hostility patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it. patent defects distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required. a distinct refusal obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer. the obvious solution apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference. for no apparent reason plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration. her feelings about him are plain clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern. a clear explanation
frank, candid, open, plain mean showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks. frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience. frank discussions candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion. a candid appraisal open implies frankness but suggests more indiscretion than frank and less earnestness than candid . open in saying what they think plain suggests outspokenness and freedom from affectation or subtlety in expression. plain talk
plain
Definition of plain
: in a plain manner : without obscurity or ambiguity saw them clearly and told you plain — Amer. Documentation
First Known Use of plain
14th century
Origin and Etymology of plain
partly from Middle English plein entire, complete, from Anglo-French, full, from Latin plenus; partly from 4plain — more at full
PLAIN Defined for English Language Learners
plain
Definition of plain for English Language Learners
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: a large area of flat land without trees
plain
Definition of plain for English Language Learners
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: having no pattern or decoration
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: not having any added or extra things
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: easy to see or understand
PLAIN Defined for Kids
Definition of plain for Students
plainer
;plainest
1 : having no pattern or decoration a plain jacket
2 : not handsome or beautiful
3 : not hard to do or understand The lesson was explained in plain words. The directions were plain.
4 : without anything having been added He eats plain yogurt.
5 : open and clear to the sight I left my money in plain view.
6 : frank The judge is famous for her plain speaking.
7 : of common or average accomplishments or position : ordinary just plain folks
plainly
adverbplainness
nounDefinition of plain for Students
: without any question : to a complete degree … she's just plain jealous when I'm at the piano and she's not. — Karen Hesse, Out of the Dust
Learn More about plain
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See words that rhyme with plain Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for plain Spanish Central: Translation of plain Nglish: Translation of plain for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of plain for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plain
Seen and Heard
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