Plain Meaning

UK /pleɪn/
US /pleɪn/
Word Definition
plain meaning

Plain Definition & Usage

adjective

Lacking any distinctive features, plain in appearance or design; simple, unembellished.

Examples

  • "Her dress was plain, without any intricate patterns or embellishments."
  • "The room was plain, with white walls and minimal furniture."
  • "He wore a plain T-shirt and jeans, preferring comfort over style."
  • "The soup tasted plain, lacking any strong flavors or spices."
  • "Their house was plain but functional, without any extravagant decorations."
adjective

Easy to understand or clear, without ambiguity.

Examples

  • "His explanation was plain, with no complicated jargon or technical terms."
  • "The instructions were written in plain language so everyone could follow them."
  • "She gave a plain answer, stating that she didn't want to go."
  • "The rules are plain and simple: no pets allowed."
  • "I could tell from his plain expression that he was not happy."
noun

A large, flat, open area of land, usually with few trees or other features.

Examples

  • "The bison roamed freely across the vast plain, stretching as far as the eye could see."
  • "They set up camp in the middle of the plain, where the ground was flat and easy to walk on."
  • "The caravan crossed the plain, making slow progress under the harsh sun."
  • "In spring, the plain was covered with wildflowers, creating a colorful tapestry of nature."
  • "The plain was a stark contrast to the nearby mountain range, offering a serene and expansive view."

Cultural Context

The word 'plain' comes from Latin 'planus', meaning flat or level, and it has been used in English since the 14th century. In the context of geography, plains are significant because they often host fertile soil and are conducive to farming. The term 'plain' can also evoke a sense of humility or simplicity, often used to describe a person or thing that is unadorned or unpretentious.

The Plain Truth

Story

The Plain Truth

It was a crisp autumn morning when Emily found herself walking across the vast plain that stretched out before her. She had lived in the city for years, surrounded by buildings, noise, and crowds, but today, she sought peace in the open space. The land was flat, dotted only with a few sparse trees and the occasional grazing deer. As she walked, the simplicity of the place felt like a balm to her busy mind. Her thoughts drifted back to her conversation with her brother earlier that week. He had asked her, with concern, if she was happy with her life. 'Sometimes it feels like it's all so plain, you know?' she'd replied, wondering aloud if she was missing something more exciting or extraordinary. But now, walking through this expansive field, she understood a little better. There was beauty in simplicity. The plain was humble, unpretentious, yet it felt vast and infinite, much like life itself. She stopped for a moment to take in the view. The sky was a brilliant blue, stretching above the land in a way that made her feel small and yet deeply connected to the world around her. The earth beneath her feet was solid and dependable, like the life she had built, plain but steady. As she sat down on a rock and watched a family of deer graze in the distance, Emily realized that sometimes, the plain truth was exactly what she needed. There was no need for complication or embellishment. It was enough just to be here, in the quiet, with nothing more than the sound of the wind and the sight of the endless plain before her. She smiled to herself, a quiet peace settling in her heart. There was something incredibly clear, something refreshingly direct about this place—just like the truth she had come to accept.

The Plain Truth