plain

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

(adjective)

  1. An example of plain is using basic language to describe something.
  2. An example of plain is unflavored yogurt.
  3. An example of plain is a woman without make-up.

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See plain in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. Obsolete flat; level; plane
  2. free from obstructions; open; clear: in plain view
  3. clearly understood; evident; obvious: to make one's meaning plain
    1. outspoken; frank; straightforward: plain talk
    2. downright; thoroughgoing: plain nonsense
  4. not luxurious or ornate; unembellished: a plain coat
  5. not complicated; simple: plain sewing
  6. not good-looking; homely: a plain face
  7. not figured, dyed, or twilled: plain cloth
  8. pure; unmixed: plain soda
  9. 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
  1. Free from obstructions; open; clear: in plain view.
  2. Obvious to the mind; evident: make one's intention plain. See Synonyms at apparent.
  3. Not elaborate or complicated; simple: plain food.
  4. Straightforward; frank or candid: plain talk.
  5. Not mixed with other substances; pure: plain water.
  6. Common in rank or station; average; ordinary: a plain man.
  7. Not pretentious; unaffected.
  8. Marked by little or no ornamentation or decoration.
  9. Not dyed, twilled, or patterned: a plain fabric.
  10. Lacking beauty or distinction: a plain face.
  11. Sheer; utter; unqualified: plain stupidity.
  12. Archaic Having no visible elevation or depression; flat; level.
noun
  1. 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.
  2. 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

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Related Forms:

  • plainˈly adverb
  • plainˈness noun

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