PLAIN definition: 1. not decorated in any way; with nothing added: 2. paper that has no lines on it: 3.

Understanding the Context

obvious and…. Learn more. In geography, a plain, commonly known as flatland, is a flat expanse of land that generally has few rapid or steep changes in elevation. Natural vegetation in plains can include prairies / grasslands, forests, savanah, tundra, and desert biomes, among others.

Key Insights

plain, any relatively level area of the Earth’s surface exhibiting gentle slopes and small local relief. Plains vary widely in size. Plain refers to a large area of flat land with few trees or an adjective describing something as simple or unadorned. In contrast, plane can refer to a flat surface, in geometry, or an aircraft used for transportation. The Huang He River in China has created an alluvial plain that covers about 409,500 square kilometers (158,000 square miles).

Final Thoughts

Because much of the sediment the Huang He carries is yellowish in color, it is also called the Yellow River. Synonyms: plain, modest, simple, unpretentious These adjectives mean not ornate, ostentatious, or showy: a plain hairstyle; a modest cottage; a simple dark suit; an unpretentious country church. Plane and plain are easy to confuse. Plane usually means an airplane, a flat surface, or a tool for shaving wood. Plain usually means simple or an expanse of lowland. PLAIN definition: clear or distinct to the eye or ear: to stand in plain view.

See examples of plain used in a sentence. If something is in plain view, it's out in the open with no obstructions. But usually we use plain as an adjective to describe unembellished, bare, or unimpressive things.