plain
Flat treeless expanse
The noun plain has spawned an adjective that surpasses it in frequency, as well as an adverb.
The core use of plain is to denote a relatively even and featureless expanse of land.
As an adjective, plain picks up the “featureless” and “even” aspects of the noun to characterize things that are simple, undecorated, unmodified.
Many foods that have variant forms reserve plain to characterize the simplest one: plain yogurt, a plain hamburger.
As an adverb, plain typically conveys absolutely: It was plain rude of you not to answer his question.
Open grassy flatland
- steppeTreeless Eurasian grassland
- savannaTropical grassland, sparse trees
- grasslandTreeless herb-covered ecosystem
- plateauFlat highland area
mesa · pampas · veldt · tundra · heath · moor · meadow · flatland
Lacking decoration or ornament
- basicFundamental in nature
- simpleFree of complexity
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
- spartanRigorously simple, unadorned
bare · stark · unembellished · unpretentious · modest · understated · uncluttered · utilitarian
Dull or tactlessly direct
- directUndeviating or to guide
- frankOpen and direct
- candidHonest and direct
- forthrightDirectly honest in manner
outspoken · unvarnished · honest · straightforward · unequivocal · matter-of-fact · no-nonsense · truthful
Lacking flavor or experience
- unflavoredWithout added taste
- blandLacking distinctive qualities
- unsweetenedContains no sweetener
- unspicedWithout added seasonings
natural · simple · wholesome · unprocessed · sugarless · saltless · additive-free
Without obstruction or fog
- obviousEasily perceived, unmistakable
- apparentClearly seen or understood
- manifestClearly apparent or displayed
- unmistakableImpossible to misidentify
undeniable · transparent · explicit · unambiguous · straightforward · patent · conspicuous · palpable
Unattractive in appearance
- unattractiveNot pleasing aesthetically
- unremarkableNot worthy of comment
- mousyShy and unassertive
- nondescriptWithout distinguishing qualities
prairie
Open grassy flatland
- steppeTreeless Eurasian grassland
- savannaTropical grassland, sparse trees
- grasslandTreeless herb-covered ecosystem
plateau · mesa · pampas · veldt · tundra · heath · moor · meadow · flatland · expanse
unadorned
Lacking decoration or ornament
spartan · bare · stark · unembellished · unpretentious · modest · understated · uncluttered · utilitarian · no-frills
blunt
Dull or tactlessly direct
forthright · outspoken · unvarnished · honest · straightforward · unequivocal · matter-of-fact · no-nonsense · truthful · sincere
unseasoned
Lacking flavor or experience
- unflavoredWithout added taste
- blandLacking distinctive qualities
- unsweetenedContains no sweetener
unspiced · natural · simple · wholesome · unprocessed · sugarless · saltless · additive-free
clear
Without obstruction or fog
- obviousEasily perceived, unmistakable
- apparentClearly seen or understood
- manifestClearly apparent or displayed
unmistakable · undeniable · transparent · explicit · unambiguous · straightforward · patent · conspicuous · palpable · visible
homely
Unattractive in appearance
- unattractiveNot pleasing aesthetically
- unremarkableNot worthy of comment
- mousyShy and unassertive
nondescript · forgettable · unexceptional · commonplace · undistinguished
plainornate
Elaborately decorated
decorated · embellished · adorned · elaborate · fancy
- in plain sightCompletely visible, unhidden
- plane ticketDocument for air travel
- paper planeFolded sheet aircraft
- plane crashAircraft accident with impact
- jet planeTurbine-powered aircraft
- plain and simpleWithout elaboration or complexity
plane, explain, complain, complaint, explanation, explained, plainly, complaining, plains