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