~ 1
■ adjective
1》 not decorated or elaborate; simple or ordinary.
↘without a pattern; in only one colour.
↘unmarked; without identification: a ~ envelope.
2》 easy to perceive or understand; clear.
↘not using concealment or deception; frank: he recalled her ~ speaking.
3》 (of a person) having no pretensions; not remarkable or special.
↘(of a woman or girl) not marked by any particular beauty; ordinary-looking.
4》 sheer; simple (used for emphasis).
5》 (of a knitting stitch) made by putting the needle through the front of the stitch from left to right. Compare with purl 1 .
■ adverb informal
1》 used for emphasis: that's just ~ stupid.
2》 clearly; unequivocally.
■ noun a large area of flat land with few trees.
Derivatives
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~ , from L. planus , from a base meaning 'flat'.
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~ 2
■ verb archaic
1》 mourn; lament.
2》 com~.
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~dre , from L. plangere 'to lament'.