plainly
8 synonyms for plainly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Clearly and obviously.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use plainly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
quite plainly
speak plainly
plainly visible
Etymology
From Middle English pleinly, from "plain" plus the adverb suffix "-ly."
Full origin of plainly →Frequently asked questions
What does “plainly” mean?
The word “plainly” means clearly and obviously. In plain terms, clearly, obviously, or in a simple and direct way.
How do you pronounce “plainly”?
“Plainly” is pronounced PLAYN-lee (/ˈpleɪnli/ in IPA).
How do you use “plainly” in a sentence?
Here is “plainly” used in a sentence: “She was plainly upset by the news.”
What is another word for “plainly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “plainly” include unambiguously and obviously.
What part of speech is “plainly”?
“Plainly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “plainly” come from?
The word “plainly” comes from Middle English. From Middle English pleinly, from "plain" plus the adverb suffix "-ly.".
Is “plainly” a common word?
“Plainly” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “plainly” have?
“Plainly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: clearly and obviously.
