Plain vs Plane
Published January 25, 2023. Updated January 25, 2023.
Plane and plain may look and sound similar, but they have different meanings and uses. Plane is a noun short for airplane. It can also mean “a flat surface.” Plain is an adjective meaning simple and free of decoration. Both words are pronounced the same.
Here are some definitions and examples to help clarify the meaning of these words.
Plane (noun)
Airplane
A flat surface
Examples:
The plane landed safely.
The wheelchair could be pushed up the inclined plane.
In the first example, plane is used as a short version of airplane. In the second example, plane refers to a flat surface.
Plain (adjective)
Simple, free of decoration
Examples:
She preferred a plain braid to an elaborate hairstyle.
The child was picky; he would only eat plain noodles.
It was plain to see there would be no convincing him.
In the first two examples, plain is used as an adjective to describe something that is simple. In the final example, plain is used as an adjective meaning “obvious.” Plain can also mean “an extensive area without trees.”
Main Points
- Plane is a noun short for airplane. It can also mean “a flat surface.”
- Plain is an adjective meaning simple and free of decoration. It can also mean “obvious” or “an extensive area without trees.”
- Both words are pronounced the same.