PLAIN


Meaning of PLAIN in English

n.

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

1 archaic : EVEN , LEVEL

2 : lacking ornament : UNDECORATED

3 : free of extraneous matter : PURE

4 : free of impediments to view : UNOBSTRUCTED

5 a (1) : evident to the mind or senses : OBVIOUS <it's perfectly plain that they will resist> (2) : CLEAR <let me make my meaning plain > b : marked by outspoken candor : free from duplicity or subtlety : BLUNT < plain talk>

6 a : belonging to the masses : COMMON b : lacking special distinction or affectation : ORDINARY

7 : characterized by simplicity : not complicated < plain home-cooked meals>

8 : lacking beauty or ugliness

synonyms see COMMON , EVIDENT , FRANK

– plain · ly adverb

– plain · ness \ ' pl ā n-n ə s \ noun

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.