plainly
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,762 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 10,298 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.005% of every word in the library.
What it means
adverb
- unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”) also: obviously, evidently, manifestly, patently, apparently, plain the answer is obviously wrongshe was in bed and evidently in great pain
- in a simple manner; without extravagance or embellishment also: simply she was dressed plainlythey lived very simply
plainly in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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I am afraid I showed my surprise rather plainly.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles · Agatha Christie · Chapter 1
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The characters of the three boys were revealed plainly enough by their simple furnishings.
The Hill: A Romance of Friendship · Horace Annesley Vachell · Chapter 1
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He leaned over the balustrade, and saw: very plainly a soldier lying prone on the straw.
The Countess of Saint Geran Celebrated Crimes · Alexandre Dumas · Chapter 1
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Take Mr. Brown to our house, and give him help--you see how plainly he needs it.
Following the Equator — Part 1 · Mark Twain · Chapter 1
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And one Wednesday, as I showed my feelings too plainly, she struck me so hard, that she broke my arm.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1