B2adjective 1K

Plain

🇬🇧 UK /["/pleɪn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/pleɪn/"]/

Meaning of Plain

not decorated or complicated; simple

In simple words: Simple and without decoration.

Plain in a sentence

• The design was quite plain, lacking any decorative elements.
• I prefer plain yogurt without any added sugars or flavors.
• He wore a plain white shirt to the meeting, which looked professional.
• The plain offered stunning views of the mountains in the distance.
• After the storm, the plain was flooded and covered in debris.

How to use Plain

Use 'plain' to describe something that is straightforward or lacks complexity. It's often used in both written and spoken contexts, suitable for everyday conversation or descriptions.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'plain' as in 'plain cheese' — simple and no extra toppings!

Related words

Collocations with Plain

• be
• look
• seem
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• plain blue, white, etc.
• be
• look
• seem
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• plain blue, white, etc.
• be
• seem
• become
• fairly
• very
• etc.
• to

Synonyms for Plain

• clear
• everyday

Opposites of Plain

• fancy
• ornate
• complicated

Common mistakes with Plain

• 'Plain' is often confused with 'plane' in spelling.
• Learners might use 'plain' to describe flavor instead of 'bland'.
• Some use 'plain' incorrectly to mean 'clear' instead of simple.

Frequently asked questions about Plain

What does Plain mean?

Simple and without decoration.

What is the definition of Plain?

not decorated or complicated; simple

How do you use Plain in a sentence?

The design was quite plain, lacking any decorative elements.

Can you give another example of Plain?

I prefer plain yogurt without any added sugars or flavors.

What are synonyms for Plain?

Common alternatives include clear, everyday.

What is the opposite of Plain?

Opposite meanings include fancy, ornate, complicated.

What words go with Plain?

It commonly pairs with be, look, seem, extremely, fairly, very, plain blue, white, etc., be, look, seem, extremely, fairly, very, plain blue, white, etc., be, seem, become, fairly, very, etc., to.

What are common mistakes when using Plain?

'Plain' is often confused with 'plane' in spelling. Learners might use 'plain' to describe flavor instead of 'bland'. Some use 'plain' incorrectly to mean 'clear' instead of simple.

How do you pronounce Plain?

US: /["/pleɪn/"]/, UK: /["/pleɪn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Plain?

Use 'plain' to describe something that is straightforward or lacks complexity. It's often used in both written and spoken contexts, suitable for everyday conversation or descriptions.

What CEFR level is Plain?

"Plain" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.