PLAIN Meaning and
Definition
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Plain can be used as an adjective or a noun, with various meanings depending on the context. As an adjective, plain refers to something that is straightforward, simple, and lacking in embellishment or ornate details. It describes an object or a surface that is smooth and untextured, without any distinctive patterns or markings. For example, a plain white wall lacks any decorative elements.
Plain can also describe a person's appearance or demeanor, indicating that they are unadorned, unremarkable, or lacking in any exceptional features or qualities. It suggests that the person is ordinary, without any distinctive or unique characteristics.
As a noun, a plain refers to a large area of flat land or a wide expanse of open and level terrain. It is typically devoid of significant changes in elevation or natural landmarks. Examples of plains include grasslands, prairies, or savannas.
In a more abstract sense, plain can signify a clearly stated fact or truth that is not open to interpretation or doubt. It emphasizes the clarity and simplicity of a statement, often without any additional explanation or elaboration.
Overall, whether used as an adjective or a noun, plain denotes something that lacks complexities or embellishments, suggesting simplicity, straightforwardness, and a lack of any distinctive or remarkable features.
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A more or less smooth and level area.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• Without ornament or embellishment; homely; artless; frank; sincere; candid; easily understood; not difficult; clear; not luxurious, as in food; smooth, level, or flat.
• Not obscurely; distinctly.
• Level land; a flat expanse-extensive plains in Asia are called steppes, in Africa, deserts, in S. Amer., pampas and llanos, in N. Amer., prairies and savannahs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PLAIN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PLAIN
Etymology of PLAIN
The word "plain" originated from the Old English word "plæġen", which was derived from the Latin word "planus". In Latin, "planus" means "flat" or "level". Over time, the word "plæġen" evolved into "plain" in Middle English, retaining the concept of something flat or level. Eventually, the term was extended to refer to areas of land that were flat, open, and devoid of significant features or vegetation. Today, "plain" is primarily used to describe a large area of flat land, although it can also refer to simplicity or lack of fancy or embellishment in various contexts.
Idioms with the word PLAIN
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be plain sailing
The idiom "be plain sailing" means that a task or situation is straightforward and easy, without any difficulties or obstacles. It suggests that everything is going smoothly without any complications.
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be smooth sailing, at be plain sailing
The idiom "be smooth sailing" or "be plain sailing" means that a situation or task is easy, without any difficulties or obstacles. It suggests that progress or completion will be effortless, and there will be no complications or troubles along the way.
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be (as) plain as the nose on your face
The idiom "be (as) plain as the nose on your face" means that something is extremely obvious or evident, to the point that it cannot be ignored or disputed. It refers to something that is so clearly and undeniably visible, just like the nose on a person's face, that no further explanation or analysis is necessary.
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be (as) plain as a pikestaff, at be (as) plain as the nose on your face
The idiom "be (as) plain as a pikestaff" or "be (as) plain as the nose on your face" refers to something that is extremely obvious or clear. It describes a situation or fact that is easily noticeable without any effort, just like the plainness of a pikestaff (a long, thick, and unadorned wooden staff) or the nose on someone's face, which is a prominent and unmistakable feature.
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plain as day
The idiom "plain as day" typically means something that is extremely clear, obvious, or easily understandable, without any complexity or confusion. It refers to a situation or fact that is so evident or perceivable that it cannot be overlooked or misinterpreted.
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(as) plain as day
The definition of the idiom "(as) plain as day" is something that is extremely clear, obvious, or easily understood.
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be as clear/plain as day
The idiom "be as clear/plain as day" means that something is extremely obvious, apparent, or easy to understand without any ambiguity. It implies that there is no room for confusion or doubt, as the situation or information is transparent and easily comprehensible.
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(as) plain as a pikestaff
The idiom "(as) plain as a pikestaff" is used to describe something that is extremely obvious or clear, leaving no room for doubt or confusion. It refers to the pikestaff, which is a long, straight staff or pole that is easily seen and recognized due to its simplicity.
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(as) plain as the nose on your face
The idiom "(as) plain as the nose on your face" refers to something that is completely obvious or easily understandable, usually referring to a fact or situation that is clearly visible or apparent to anyone. It emphasizes the clarity and unmistakable nature of the subject or situation, similar to how one's nose is prominently visible on their face.
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(as) plain as the nose on (one's) face
The idiom "(as) plain as the nose on (one's) face" means that something is very obvious or easily observable, just like the nose on a person's face is distinctive and cannot be easily overlooked. It implies that the situation or fact is so clear and evident that it cannot be denied or ignored.
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be as plain as the nose on (one's) face
The idiom "be as plain as the nose on (one's) face" means that something is very obvious, clear, or easily noticed. This expression is often used to emphasize that someone should easily see or understand something due to its obvious nature.
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in plain English
The idiom "in plain English" refers to the act of explaining something complex or technical in a straightforward and easily understandable manner. It implies simplifying complicated concepts or ideas, eliminating jargon, and using clear and concise language to ensure understanding.
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a plain Jane
The idiom "a plain Jane" refers to someone, usually a woman, who is unremarkable or ordinary in appearance or dressed in a simple and unattractive manner. It implies that the person lacks any distinctive features, style, or attractiveness.
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in plain language
The idiom "in plain language" means to express or explain something in a simple and straightforward manner that is easily understandable, without using complicated or technical terms.
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plain Jane
The idiom "plain Jane" refers to a person, typically a woman, who is unremarkable or lacking in attractiveness or style. It is used to describe someone who does not stand out or is considered ordinary in appearance or behavior.
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just (plain) folks
The idiom "just (plain) folks" refers to ordinary, average, or unassuming people who are not pretentious or showy in their behavior or lifestyle. It implies simplicity, humility, and a lack of airs or pretensions.
Similar spelling words for PLAIN
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