plainly
gb/plˈeɪnli/ us/plˈeɪnli/
B1
Inglês
~ 2300
Aceções
0 aceções
adverb
B1
property
1
In a clear and direct way
In a way that is easy to understand and honest.
Padrão de uso:
to say [something] plainly
Erro comum:
Learners sometimes confuse 'plainly' with 'simply' in all contexts; 'plainly' usually refers to clarity or honesty rather than ease or lack of complexity.
Sinónimos
clearly (Very close in meaning, but 'clearly' can also refer to physical visibility or logical structure, not just directness of speech.)
|
directly (Similar in meaning, but can also imply physical direction or immediacy.)
Antónimos
vaguely (Means in an unclear or imprecise way, the opposite of speaking plainly.)
Colocações
speak plainly
|state plainly
|explain plainly
|put plainly
Temas
communication
|clarity
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- She spoke plainly so that everyone could understand her.
- He told me plainly that he was not interested.
- The report stated plainly that the plan had failed.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- She said it plainly.
- He told me plainly.
- The teacher spoke plainly to the class.
adverb
B2
property
2
Without decoration or adornment
In a simple way, without extra decoration.
Erro comum:
Learners may overuse this sense when they mean 'clearly'; context determines whether it's about style/appearance or clarity.
Sinónimos
simply (Can mean without decoration, but also means 'merely' or 'only' in other contexts.)
Antónimos
elaborately (Means with many details or decorations, the opposite of plainly in this sense.)
Colocações
plainly dressed
|plainly decorated
|plainly furnished
Temas
appearance
|style
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- The room was plainly furnished with a table and two chairs.
- She was plainly dressed in a plain white shirt and jeans.
- The ceremony was conducted plainly, without any pomp.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- The room is plainly decorated.
- He is plainly dressed.
- The house is plainly built.
Gramática
Forma de dicionário
plainly
IPA
GB/plˈeɪnli/
US/plˈeɪnli/
Sílabas e acento
plainly (1 sílaba)
Stress on 1st syllable (plainly)
Formas da palavra
Noun
- Base: plainly
- Plural: plainlies
Família de palavras
Forms
plainlies
noun
Core family
plain
adjective A2
plainness
noun
Expressões
plainly speaking
1/plˈeɪnli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Speaking in a clear and direct way
Saying something in a way that is clear and honest.
Exemplos
- Plainly speaking, this project will fail without more funding.
- Plainly speaking, I don't trust him.
to put it plainly
1/tə pˈʊt ˈɪt plˈeɪnli/
fixed phrase
State something simply and directly
To say something in a clear and simple way so it is easy to understand.
Exemplos
- To put it plainly, we can't afford it.
- To put it plainly, she doesn't like you.