Plainly Definition & Meaning

plainly
adverb
  1. unmistakably (`plain' is often used informally for `plainly'); "the answer is obviously wrong"; "she was in bed and evidently in great pain"; "he was manifestly too important to leave off the guest list"; "it is all patently nonsense"; "she has apparently been living here for some time"; "I thought he owned the property, but apparently not"; "You are plainly wrong"; "he is plain stubborn"
  2. in a simple manner; without extravagance or embellishment; "she was dressed plainly"; "they lived very simply"

Synonyms for plainly

apparently adv

from appearances alone; "irrigation often produces bumper crops from apparently desert land

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
evidently adv

unmistakably (`plain' is often used informally for `plainly'); "the answer is obviously wrong

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
manifestly adv

unmistakably (`plain' is often used informally for `plainly'); "the answer is obviously wrong

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
obviously adv

unmistakably (`plain' is often used informally for `plainly'); "the answer is obviously wrong

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patently adv

unmistakably (`plain' is often used informally for `plainly'); "the answer is obviously wrong

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plain adv

unmistakably (`plain' is often used informally for `plainly'); "the answer is obviously wrong

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
simply adv

and nothing more; "I was merely asking"; "it is simply a matter of time"; "just a scratch"; "he was only a child

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Plainly" in song lyrics

See how plainly is used in real songs:

  • "that's why we, want to state plainly"
    The Cross Movement f/M.O.D — Lord
  • "I brought it to you plainly"
    Grits — Time is Passing
  • "Plainly"
    Little Prince — The Little Prince Song

Words that rhyme with plainly

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Usage tips for "plainly"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "plainly" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for plainly to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with plainly ↔ Synonyms for plainly 🔬 Words containing plainly

Frequently asked questions

What does plainly mean?
unmistakably (`plain' is often used informally for `plainly'); "the answer is obviously wrong"; "she was in bed and evidently in great pain"; "he was manifestly too important to leave off the guest list"; "it is all patently nonsense"; "she has apparently been living here for some time"; "I thought he owned the property, but apparently not"; "You are plainly wrong"; "he is plain stubborn" in a simple manner; without extravagance or embellishment; "she was dressed plainly
What part of speech is plainly?
Plainly is an adverb.
How many definitions does plainly have?
Plainly has 2 definitions across 1 part of speech (adverb).

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