Word
plainly
Phoneticsplain·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɫeɪnɫi/
UK/plˈeɪnli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01clearly or obviously
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that is very easy to see, hear, or understand.
adv. in a manner that is clear to the mind or senses; obviously.
“The sign was plainly visible from the road, so we didn't get lost.”
“The witness was plainly distressed by the line of questioning, though she maintained her composure throughout the cross-examination.”
Antonyms
02simply or directly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a simple way, without using fancy words or extra decoration.
adv. in a simple, direct, or unadorned manner; without affectation or complexity.
“He spoke plainly about the problems at work so everyone understood the situation.”
“The room was plainly furnished with only a wooden desk and a single chair, reflecting the owner's preference for utility over comfort.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“I will say it plainly: it is poison, for the company and for the society around it.” “There are scenes that are among the most deeply moving yet plainly told as anything I’ve ever read.” Etymology
From Middle English playnly, pleinly, pleyneliche, equivalent to plain + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/plainly