plainly
/ˈpleɪnli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈpleɪnli/ (ame, ipa)
plainly — adverb
1. so clearly that people can notice it or understand it without much doubt.
so clearly that people can notice it or understand it without much doubt.
From the back row, we could plainly see mud on Leo's shoes.
see + plainly for clear visual evidence
The map plainly shows two roads leading into the village.
plainly shows for visible evidence
Even on the recording, her fear was plainly there in her voice.
After one look at the bills, Dad was plainly worried.
After the storm flooded Main Street, driving home was plainly impossible.
- clearly
the most general everyday choice
- obviously
stronger and suggests there is almost no doubt
- distinctly
often used when something can be seen or heard separately and sharply
文法句型
see / hear / understand + plainly
plainly + adjective
用法筆記
Common with verbs of seeing, hearing, and showing, and also with adjectives such as 'wrong', 'clear', and 'impossible'. Distinguish from sense 2: here 'plainly' marks evidence that is easy to notice, not blunt or honest wording.
常見錯誤
2. with open, straightforward wording, often when you want to be completely honest.
with open, straightforward wording, often when you want to be completely honest.
Plainly, your son needs help, not another punishment.
sentence adverb for blunt honesty
The doctor said plainly that Mia had to stop smoking.
say plainly + that-clause
Rosa told the committee plainly that the budget would not work.
Let me speak plainly: your brother is too sick to travel.
The coach plainly admitted that the team had played badly.
- tactfully
with care not to upset someone
- diplomatically
in a careful, indirect way to avoid conflict
文法句型
Plainly, + clause
say / tell / speak + plainly
用法筆記
Often appears before a full statement or after verbs of saying such as 'say', 'tell', 'speak', and 'admit'. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 is about the speaker's direct tone, not about how obvious the facts are.
常見錯誤
3. in a simple, unshowy way, without extra decoration or display.
in a simple, unshowy way, without extra decoration or display.
The cabin was plainly furnished, with two chairs and a narrow bed.
plainly furnished
Nina came plainly dressed in a gray shirt and old jeans.
plainly dressed
The hotel staff served the cake plainly, without flowers or silver plates.
The church walls were plainly painted, so the windows stood out.
Our guest room is plainly decorated but warm and comfortable.
- simply
the broad everyday word for a style without extra detail
- modestly
often suggests limited cost or little show
- unpretentiously
more formal and stresses a lack of showiness
- elaborately
with many details or decorative parts
- ornately
with rich decoration
文法句型
plainly dressed / furnished / decorated
plainly + past participle
用法筆記
Most often used with clothes, rooms, furniture, and buildings. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense describes a simple style, not something that is easy to notice or understand.