Etymology Map
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Plain

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means simple; not decorated; a flat area of land

Where does the word "plain" come from? It comes from Latin planus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
planus
Latin · ancient
"flat, clear"
the root of 'plane' and 'explain'
2
Stage 2 of 3
plain
Old French · medieval
"flat; open land"
used for level country
3
Stage 3 of 3
plain
English · 1300s
"flat; clear"
'plain' as unadorned dates from the 1300s too
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Read the full story

Plain’s story begins in Latin: planus meant “flat, clear.” The root of 'plane' and 'explain'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as plain. Used for level country. It reached English by 1300s as plain. 'plain' as unadorned dates from the 1300s too. Today, plain means simple; not decorated; a flat area of land.