plain crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your go-to source for solving even the trickiest crossword puzzles. On this page, you'll find all possible answers and detailed explanations for the clue "plain crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "plain crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MERE: Simply; nothing more than. Often used to indicate something is basic or minimal.
BARE: Without covering or clothing; simple and unadorned. Can also refer to something minimal or stark.
5 Letters
BLAND: Lacking strong features or characteristics; uninteresting. Commonly used for food that lacks flavor, but can apply to anything without distinct qualities.
6 Letters
SIMPLE: Easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty. Also refers to something not elaborate or complex.
8 Letters
ORDINARY: With no special or distinctive features; normal. Something that is common and not out of the usual.
9 Letters
UNADORNED: Not adorned; plain or simple. Describes something lacking decoration or embellishment.
More About "plain crossword clue"
"Plain" is a versatile word in English, and its various meanings make it a frequently appearing and sometimes challenging crossword clue. It can refer to a lack of decoration or complexity, suggesting simplicity or minimalism. Think of a 'plain shirt' or 'plain language' – both implying straightforwardness without frills. This sense often leads to answers like SIMPLE, BARE, or UNADORNED.
Another common usage of "plain" relates to taste or appeal, often describing something unseasoned, uninteresting, or unflavored, as in 'plain food.' In this context, answers like BLAND or MILD might fit. Furthermore, "plain" can also refer to a flat expanse of land, a geographical feature. This less common but important interpretation can lead to answers like STEPPE or SAHARA if the clue hints at a specific region, or more generally to words describing open, level ground.
When encountering "plain" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider the number of letters and any intersecting words. The clue itself might offer subtle hints towards one of these interpretations, for example, by adding "and simple" or "as a prairie." Always keep these different facets in mind to quickly deduce the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, like "plain," have several definitions. Always think about all possible interpretations of a clue, from literal to figurative, and even puns.
- Check Letter Count First: Before you even think of an answer, note the required number of letters. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and helps you recall words of the correct length.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: Crosswords are called "crosswords" for a reason! The letters you fill in from one answer must also work for the intersecting clues. Use these cross-references as vital checks and hints.
- Identify Wordplay: Be aware of common crossword wordplay techniques such as anagrams, homophones, abbreviations, and hidden words. Clues might use indicators like "scrambled," "sounds like," or "initially" to hint at these.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'plain' usually refer to in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'plain' can refer to something simple, unadorned, clear, obvious, or even a flat area of land. The specific context of the puzzle's theme or other crossing words usually helps narrow down the meaning.
How can I find synonyms for 'plain' quickly?
To find synonyms for 'plain', consider its various definitions: simple, obvious, unadorned, unpatterned, bland, or a flat area. Thinking about these different angles can help you recall or look up suitable words like SIMPLE, BARE, MERE, BLAND, or FIELD.
Are there common tricky uses of 'plain' in crosswords?
Yes, 'plain' can be tricky. It might refer to a 'plain' as in a geographical feature (e.g., SAHARA, STEPPE), or as an adjective describing something unflavored (BLAND), obvious (EVIDENT), or undecorated (AUSTERE). Always consider the wordplay and potential double meanings common in crosswords.