plain1
adj.
- not decorated or elaborate; simple or ordinary.
▸without a pattern; in only one colour.
▸unmarked; without identification:
a plain envelope.
- easy to perceive or understand; clear.
▸not using concealment or deception; frank:
he recalled her plain speaking.
- (of a person) having no pretensions; not remarkable or special.
▸(of a woman or girl) not marked by any particular beauty; ordinary-looking.
- sheer; simple (used for emphasis).
- (of a knitting stitch) made by putting the needle through the front of the stitch from left to right. Compare with purl1.
adv.
informal - used for emphasis:
that's just plain stupid.
- clearly; unequivocally.
n.
a large area of flat land with few trees.
Derivative
- plainly adv.
- plainness n.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. plain, from L. planus, from a base meaning ‘flat’.
plain2
v.
archaic - mourn; lament.
- complain.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. plaindre, from L. plangere ‘to lament’.