English Lexicon

Plain

/pleɪn/
adjectivenounCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #800 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Simple and clear; not decorated or elaborate.

    "The dress was plain, without any embellishments."
As noun
  1. 1

    A large area of flat land with few trees.

    "The vast plains of the Midwest are known for their agriculture."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'plain' originates from the Latin 'planus', meaning 'flat' or 'level', which evolved through Old French 'plain' in the 12th century. Over time, it has come to describe not only physical flatness but also simplicity and clarity in various contexts.

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