plain¹ Definition
plain (plān)
adjective
- Obsolete flat; level; plane
- free from obstructions; open; clear in plain view
- clearly understood; evident; obvious to make one's meaning plain
- outspoken; frank; straightforward plain talk
- 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
Etymology: 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
plain¹ Related Forms
plain² Definition
plain (plān)
intransitive verb
Now Chiefly Dial. to complain
Etymology: ME pleynen < OFr plaindre < L plangere: see plaint
plain Synonyms
plain
modif.
Obvious
open, manifest, clear; see definite 1, 2, obvious 1, 2, understandable.Simple
unadorned, unostentatious, unpretentious; see modest 2.Ordinary
everyday, average, commonplace; see common 1, conventional 1, 3, dull 4, traditional 2.Homely
plain-featured, coarse-featured, unattractive; see ugly 1.In blunt language
outspoken, candid, frank, plain-spoken, impolite; see also abrupt 2, frank, rude 2. See syn. study at obvious.
plain Synonyms
plain
n.
plain Usage Examples
Converse of object
- roam: The last aurochs roamed the plains of Northern Europe about 1627.
- overlook: Here, as everywhere in Western France, the Germans occupy the first low ranges of hills which overlook the plains.
- bound: An hour previously, veiled in heavy clouds, the sun had sunk below the horizon that bounded the plain beyond the Shelif.
Adjective modifier
- fertile: Fertile alluvial flood plains have been cleared for agriculture, making alluvial forest a threatened habitat at a European scale.
- alluvial: Fertile alluvial flood plains have been cleared for agriculture, making alluvial forest a threatened habitat at a European scale.
- coastal: The main chain of the Andes runs from west to east, leaving a narrow coastal plain.
- grassy: Savannah grasslands - Hot, dry grassy plains that often support large numbers of grazing herd animals.
- arid: Valdepeñas An outcrop of gently hilly land in the flat, arid plains of central Spain, south of Madrid.
- dusty: They found themselves near Maiwand, an Afghan village on a desiccated dusty open plain with shade temperatures approaching 120 degrees.
Modifies a noun
- flour: To make the pastry, weigh out an amount of flour ( say 6 ounces of plain flour ).
- sailing: The global roll-out has not all been plain sailing, however.
- English: Written in plain English, with the minimum of jargon, the guide is designed to allow the user to defend their privacy.
- text: Elements can contain plain text, other elements, or both.
- speaking: Also, predominantly in the U.S.A. , plain speaking.
- radiograph: If megaoesophagus is not visible on plain radiographs a barium swallow should be performed as this significantly improves detection.
Noun used with modifier
- flood: Much of the development area is on the flood plain, which will put London at greater risk.
- savannah: The coastal area has navigable lagoons, behind which is the rain forest with savannah plains and sandstone plateaux to the north.
- gravel: There are rocky caves and reefs, massive sandbanks and vast gravel plains, each with their own range of wildlife.
- river: In addition, the river plains are intensively farmed.
- grass: Game viewing vehicles descend the steep crater wall every morning and spend the day on grass plains that are teeming with animals.
Browse dictionary entries near plain
- ‹ plaided
- ‹ plaid
- ‹ plaice
- ‹ plaguy
- ‹ plague
- ‹ plagiotropic
- ‹ plagioclase
- ‹ plagio-
- ‹ plagiary
- ‹ plagiarize

