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plain

plain

45 2.0
Said in a simple, direct way without hiding the truth
  • adjective
  • /pleɪn/
: directo
  • The way he said it, so quiet and plain, brought me up short.
  • plain language
  • plain English
  • plain-speaking

But when we dig deeper, the plain truth emerges.

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Examples

  • I have always asked for just plain information.

  • But when we dig deeper, the plain truth emerges.

  • Say it plain that many have died for this day.

  • I'm saying just plain and simple, this is a bad idea.

  • Well, sir... here's to plain speaking and clear understanding.

  • Giddings had a way of stating issues in such plain language that his statements were almost shocking.

    Academic text (1994)
  • To quote it, my parents were honest, plain, pious vineyard workers.

  • I will tell you the truth in plain words without sugarcoating anything.

  • She made her point plain, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

  • To put it plain, we need to work together to solve this issue.

Synonyms

flat
vsplain
158 4.4

In a direct and blunt way

shares bluntness but also emphasizes simple unadorned expression
straight-up
vsplain
  • Informal
144 7.9

Used to say something is completely honest without exaggeration

is similar in honesty yet can be more neutral and less slangy
straight
vsplain
142 1.6

In an honest and direct way

can be the same but often has a rougher blunt quality
simply
vsplain
121 1.0

You do this in a plain way without extra things

adds the possibility of blunt frankness beyond mere simplicity
directly
vsplain
106 1.4

In a clear honest way, saying what you think

may be similar yet tends to allow stronger bluntness or harshness
flat out
vsplain
  • Informal
85 7.0

To say something plainly without hiding feelings

retains bluntness but is not always expressed with full force
bluntly
vsplain
36 4.6

In a direct way that is not polite

keeps simplicity but is less focused on rudeness and more on honesty
candidly
vsplain
25 4.1

In an honest, direct way without hiding your true thoughts

is comparable but more likely to be unembellished and blunt
succinctly
vsplain
20 5.5

In a short clear way using few words

focuses on simplicity of expression rather than briefness or concision
point-blank
vsplain
10 5.6

Direct and blunt without trying to hide the truth

matches bluntness but also covers simple unadorned expression more broadly
forthrightly
vsplain
6 6.7

In a direct and honest way without hiding anything

includes that honesty but can be more unvarnished or blunt
5 3.9

In a clear, honest way without hiding anything

covers that directness but also implies a tougher bluntness at times
tersely
vsplain
3 6.4

In a short, direct way that uses few words

keeps shortness sometimes but primarily stresses simple directness
baldly
vsplain
3 7.2

In a plain, direct way that does not make bad news seem softer

is alike but can include general simplicity beyond harsh disclosure
plainly
vsplain
2 1.8

In a simple way without decoration

is similarly unadorned but more likely to be blunt or harsh
unartfully
vsplain
7.2

In a simple, honest way without trying to impress

is similar but may also carry a stronger blunt or harsh tone

Antonyms

18 7.3

Not giving a direct answer to hide the truth or avoid commitment

Idioms

Easily seen because it is not hidden

19 5.2

To be easy to see but not noticed by others

4 4.8

Easy to see but not noticed because it looks ordinary

1 2.8

Easy to do and without problems after it starts

Compounds

Ordinary clothes that let people in uniform blend in

8 3.7

Flat land next to a river that often floods when the river rises

A flat low area of land next to the sea

A large flat grassland in northern Tanzania with many wild animals

alluvial plain
  • Specialized
1 5.8

A flat area of land near a river with rich soil left by floods

1 3.9

A large flat area of land covered with salt after salt water dries

A very large dry plain in southern Australia with few trees and little water

1 1.0

Flour without baking powder used for baking and cooking

Honest and open way of acting without hiding anything

plain-woven
  • Specialized
1 4.9

Cloth made by crossing threads over and under in a simple pattern

plain weave
  • Specialized
1 5.3

A simple cloth pattern where threads go over then under each other

A police officer who wears ordinary clothes while working to avoid attention

1 5.3

A basic knitting move where you push the needle through the front of a loop

plain wanderer
  • Australian
9.9

A small Australian bird that lives in open grasslands

How Direct

blunt
100 3.8
plain
45 2.0
frank
106 3.4
candid
83 4.6
guarded
30 4.9

Surface Forms

plain positive
plainer comparative
plainest superlative

Etymology

Plain comes from Latin planus meaning 'clear', which led to the idea of speaking in a simple, direct way. That's why plain language is honest and easy to understand without hiding the truth.