plain

The definition of plain is clearly understood, obvious, simple or not complicated.

(adjective)

See plain in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Obsolete flat; level; plane
free from obstructions; open; clear: in plain view
clearly understood; evident; obvious: to make one's meaning plain
1. outspoken; frank; straightforward: plain talk
2. downright; thoroughgoing: plain nonsense
not luxurious or ornate; unembellished: a plain coat
not complicated; simple: plain sewing
not good-looking; homely: a plain face
not figured, dyed, or twilled: plain cloth
pure; unmixed: plain soda
not of high rank or position; such as characterizes the common people; ordinary: a plain man

Origin: OFr < L planus, flat, level < IE base *plā-, broad, flat > floor, field

noun

an extent of level country

adverb

clearly or simply: just plain tired

Related Forms:

intransitive verb

Now Chiefly Dial. to complain

Origin: ME pleynen < OFr plaindre < L plangere: see plaint

See plain in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective plain·er, plain·est

Free from obstructions; open; clear: in plain view.
Obvious to the mind; evident: make one's intention plain. See Synonyms at apparent.
Not elaborate or complicated; simple: plain food.
Straightforward; frank or candid: plain talk.
Not mixed with other substances; pure: plain water.
Common in rank or station; average; ordinary: a plain man.
Not pretentious; unaffected.
Marked by little or no ornamentation or decoration.
Not dyed, twilled, or patterned: a plain fabric.
Lacking beauty or distinction: a plain face.
Sheer; utter; unqualified: plain stupidity.
Archaic Having no visible elevation or depression; flat; level.

noun

a. An extensive, level, usually treeless area of land.
b. A broad level expanse, as a part of the sea floor or a lunar mare.
Something free of ornamentation or extraneous matter.

adverb
Informal

Clearly; simply: plain stubborn.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin plānus; see pelə-² in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: