- 1in a way that is easy to see, hear, understand, or believe synonym clearly The ocean was plainly visible in the distance. The lease plainly states that all damage must be paid for. She had no right to interfere in what was plainly a family matter. Plainly (= obviously), something was wrong.
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- 2using simple words to say something in a direct and honest way He told her plainly that he thought she was making a big mistake. To put it plainly, he's a crook.
- 3in a simple way, without decoration She was plainly dressed and wore no makeup. plainly cooked food
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