plainly
/'pleinli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a clear and unambiguous manner; obviously, evidently: Used to indicate that something is easily perceived, understood, or recognized as true.
- In a simple, unadorned, or straightforward way: Used to describe a manner that is without decoration, complexity, or pretense.
Usage Examples
- Adverb (Clearly/Obviously):
- The data plainly shows an increase in sales. (The data clearly and unmistakably shows an increase.)
- He was plainly exhausted after the long journey. (It was obvious he was exhausted.)
- Adverb (Simply/Without adornment):
- She dresses plainly, preferring comfort over fashion. (She dresses in a simple, unadorned style.)
- The room was furnished plainly with just a bed and a desk. (The room was furnished in a simple, basic manner.)
Advanced Usage
- "to put it plainly": Used to introduce a statement that is direct, frank, and without euphemism.
- To put it plainly, the project has failed. (To state it directly and without softening the truth...)
- "see/understand plainly": To perceive or comprehend something clearly and without doubt.
- I could see plainly that he was lying. (I could clearly and undeniably see that he was lying.)
Variants and Related Words
- Plain (adjective):
- Clear, evident: It was plain to see.
- Simple, unadorned: She wore a plain black dress.
- Frank, straightforward: He was plain in his criticism.
- Plainness (noun): The quality of being clear, simple, or straightforward.
Synonyms
- Clearly: In a clear manner; obviously.
- Obviously: In a way that is easily perceived or understood.
- Evidently: In a way that is plain or obvious; apparently.
- Simply: In a straightforward or uncomplicated manner.
- Frankly: In an open, honest, and direct manner.
Antonyms
- Vaguely: In a way that is unclear or imprecise.
- Ornately: In an elaborately decorated manner.
- Indirectly: In a way that is not straightforward.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Plainly speaking: Speaking in a direct and unambiguous way.
- Plainly speaking, we cannot afford this. (Speaking frankly and directly...)
- As plainly as...: Used to emphasize the clarity of something.
- It was as plainly visible as the nose on your face. (It was extremely obvious.)
Adverb
- in a simple manner; without extravagance or embellishment
- she was dressed plainly
- they lived very simply
- unmistakably (`plain' is often used informally for `plainly')
- the answer is obviously wrong
- she was in bed and evidently in great pain
- he was manifestly too important to leave off the guest list
- it is all patently nonsense
- she has apparently been living here for some time
- I thought he owned the property, but apparently not
- You are plainly wrong
- he is plain stubborn