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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | Latin planus 'flat, level, clear' |
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plain1 S2 W3
1 very clear, and easy to understand or recognize [= obvious] 
The advantages were plain to see.You have made your feelings plain enough.
clear
The advantages were plain to see.You have made your feelings plain enough. make yourself plain (=make what you are saying clear) If you do that again you will be severely punished. Do I make myself plain?
If you do that again you will be severely punished. Do I make myself plain? as plain as day/the nose on your face (=very clear)
2 in clear and simple words, without using technical language : The document, written in plain English, tells you about your new policy.
in plain English/language
The document, written in plain English, tells you about your new policy.3 without anything added or without decoration [= simple]: a plain white blouse a plain wooden table plain yoghurt a plain gold wedding ring
simple
a plain white blousea plain wooden tableplain yoghurta plain gold wedding ring4 showing clearly and honestly what is true or what you think about something [= frank, candid]: Let's have some plain, truthful answers.
honest
Let's have some plain, truthful answers.5 used to emphasize that a particular type of behaviour, attitude etc is involved, usually a bad one : His motive was plain greed. When you told him his house was too cold that was just plain bad manners.
emphasis
[only before noun] spokenHis motive was plain greed.When you told him his house was too cold that was just plain bad manners.6 not beautiful or attractive - often used because you want to avoid saying this directly : Mrs Cookson was a rather plain woman.
not beautiful
Mrs Cookson was a rather plain woman. plain Jane (=used to talk about a woman who is not beautiful)
8 used to show that someone does not have or use a special title : I don't call him Uncle - just plain Bill.
(just) plain Mr/Mrs etc
spokenI don't call him Uncle - just plain Bill.9 to be very easy to do or achieve : If you can answer the first question, the rest of the test should be plain sailing.
be plain sailing
If you can answer the first question, the rest of the test should be plain sailing.10 if something is in plain sight, it is easy to see or notice, especially when it should be hidden : Don't leave your valuables in plain sight.
in plain sight
American EnglishDon't leave your valuables in plain sight. —plainness noun [uncountable]
