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plain

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adjective British English pronunciation: plain /pleɪn/ 
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adjectiveplain
comparativeplainer
superlativeplainest
  1. 1
    easily seen or understood

    Hugh’s message was short, but the meaning was plain enough.

    it is plain (that):

    It was plain that they knew each other already.

    it is plain to someone (that):

    It was plain to everyone that Maude was not happy.

    make it plain:

    Therese made it plain that she would not help Robert any more.

    be plain to see:

    Her disappointment was plain to see.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  plainThesaurus entry for this meaning of plain
  2. 2
    simple in design, with no decoration

    a plain wooden table

    The gardens were fairly plain, with few plants.

    a plain white T-shirt

    We sell a selection of plain and patterned ties.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  plainThesaurus entry for this meaning of plain
    1. a.
      plain food is simple and does not have a lot of things added to it

      a plain sponge cake

      plain yoghurt

      The restaurant serves plain wholesome food.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  plainThesaurus entry for this meaning of plain
    2. b.
      not very attractive

      He seems to go for plain quiet women.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  plainThesaurus entry for this meaning of plain
    3. c.
      [only before noun] used before a name for saying that someone does not have a special title or name

      It’s just plain Mr Cunningham now, no need to call me Doctor.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  plainThesaurus entry for this meaning of plain
  3. 3
    expressing what you think honestly, using simple, direct language

    a plain answer

    plain speaking/talking:

    She was admired for her plain speaking.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  plainThesaurus entry for this meaning of plain

phrases

derived word

plainness

noun [uncountable]
See also

This is the British English definition of plain. View American English definition of plain.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

 

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