ENGLISH
REFERENCE

plainly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɫeɪnɫi// UK //plˈeɪnli// plain·ly

adv. in a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand. You use it when something is very clear and honest.

adv. in a clear, easy-to-perceive manner; without ambiguity or decoration.


SIMPLE

She spoke plainly so everyone could understand her.

CONTEXTUAL

It was plainly obvious from his expression that he was not happy with the news.

COMPLEX

The document was written so plainly that even those without legal training could grasp the implications of the new policy.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English playnly, pleinly, pleyneliche, equivalent to plain + -ly.

Usage

Often used to modify adjectives to emphasize that a quality is unmistakable.

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