Synonyms for

Plainly

Verb / ˈpleɪnli: / Another word for plainly — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

In a clear and simple manner

Synonyms & similar words

plain manifestly evidently apparently obviously patently simply clearly simply evidently obviously transparently unmistakably unequivocally overtly openly frankly bluntly forthrightly candidly directly explicitly unambiguously manifestly patently palpably

Synonyms by register

Formal

evidently manifestly clearly obviously

Informal

obviously clearly definitely for sure

Literary

manifestly evidently patent

Antonyms

obscurely vaguely ambiguously confusingly unclearly cryptically

Common collocations

  • plainly stated
  • plainly visible
  • plainly wrong
  • plainly put
  • plainly true
  • plainly said
  • plainly dressed

Word family

adjective plain
adverb plainly

Usage note

Used to indicate that something is very easy to see, understand, or notice. It often implies a lack of complexity or subtlety.

Example sentences

  1. He spoke plainly about his feelings.
  2. She wrote the instructions plainly on the board.
  3. The sign was labelled plainly with the store's name.
  4. The teacher explained the lesson plainly so that everyone could follow along.
  5. The doctor spoke to the patient plainly, without using any technical jargon.

Quotes

  • 'Speak plainly', said the march Hare. 'I'm not going to stand here and be insulted a second time!' - Lewis Carroll
  • 'I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' - Martin Luther King Jr.
  • 'Truth is always in harmony with herself, and is not concerned chiefly to reveal the justice that may consist with wrong-doing.' - Henry David Thoreau

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