Plain vs. Blank — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 29, 2024
Plain refers to something simple or unadorned, while blank denotes emptiness or a lack of content.
Difference Between Plain and Blank
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Plain often describes something that is simple, unembellished, or lacking in pattern. It suggests minimalism and the absence of complexity, both in terms of design and substance. Blank, on the other hand, refers to something that is empty, unmarked, or void of content or expression. While plain items may possess color, texture, or material without decoration, blank items are characterized by their total absence of detail or adornment, often used to denote spaces or surfaces ready for input or customization.
While a plain object or surface may still serve a functional or aesthetic purpose through its simplicity, a blank one typically implies a canvas awaiting something to be added or created. For example, a plain wall may be painted a single color without patterns or textures, providing a sense of completeness in its simplicity. Conversely, a blank wall is often seen as incomplete, serving as an invitation for artistic expression or decoration.
In the context of communication or expression, plain language is straightforward and devoid of complex vocabulary or jargon, aimed at clarity and comprehensibility. A blank expression, however, indicates an absence of discernible emotion or thought, often suggesting a lack of response or engagement.
The choice between plain and blank can also reflect intent. Choosing something plain may be a deliberate decision to embrace minimalism or focus on functionality over form. Opting for something blank, however, often indicates a preparatory step for something yet to come, like a blank page in a notebook ready for writing or a blank canvas for painting.
Understanding the distinction between plain and blank enhances clarity in communication and expression. While both imply a certain simplicity, plain carries an element of sufficiency or completeness, whereas blank suggests vacancy and potential for addition or change.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Simple and unadorned, without complexity.
Empty or void of content, awaiting addition or customization.
Connotation
Minimalism and functionality, may include color or texture.
Vacancy and potential, typically devoid of detail or decoration.
Usage
Describes objects or styles that are straightforward.
Refers to spaces, surfaces, or states ready for input.
Example Context
A plain shirt might be a single color without patterns.
A blank document is empty, with no writing or images.
Intent
Emphasizes simplicity and might reflect a minimalist philosophy.
Indicates readiness for creation or the need for input.
Compare with Definitions
Plain
Basic or fundamental, without any extras or special features.
The room was furnished in a plain but comfortable manner.
Blank
Completely empty, without any marks or content.
She stared at the blank page, unsure of how to begin her essay.
Plain
Characterized by simplicity and a lack of embellishment or decoration.
She preferred wearing plain clothes to avoid drawing attention.
Blank
Showing no emotion, expression, or understanding.
His face remained blank even after hearing the surprising news.
Plain
Easily understood or obvious, without complex language.
He gave a plain explanation that everyone could understand.
Blank
Not written or printed on; unmarked.
The sign was blank, waiting to be filled with information.
Plain
Lacking in variety or diversity; straightforward.
The diet consisted of very plain food, with little seasoning.
Blank
Available to be filled in with details or information.
The application form was left blank in several places.
Plain
Denoting something that is unremarkable or ordinary.
The meeting was quite plain, with no unexpected developments.
Blank
Lacking in distinguishing characteristics or features.
The landscape was bleak and blank, covered in snow.
Plain
In geography, a plain is a flat expanse of land that generally does not change much in elevation, and are primarily treeless. Plains occur as lowlands along valleys or at the base of mountains, as coastal plains, and as plateaus or uplands.In a valley, a plain is enclosed on two sides, but in other cases a plain may be delineated by a complete or partial ring of hills, by mountains, or by cliffs.
Blank
Devoid of writing, images, or marks
A blank wall.
A blank screen.
Plain
Not decorated or elaborate; simple or basic in character
Everyone dined at a plain wooden table
Good plain food
Blank
Containing no information; unrecorded or erased
A blank tape.
A blank diskette.
Plain
Having no pretensions; not remarkable or special
A plain, honest man with no nonsense about him
Blank
Having spaces for information to be provided; not completed or filled in
A blank questionnaire.
Plain
Easy to perceive or understand; clear
The advantages were plain to see
It was plain that something was wrong
Blank
Not having received final processing; unfinished
A blank key.
Plain
(of a person) not beautiful or attractive
A plain, round-faced woman
Blank
Devoid of thought or impression
A blank mind.
Plain
Sheer; simple (used for emphasis)
The main problem is just plain exhaustion
Blank
Showing no expression, interest, or understanding; expressionless
A blank stare.
Plain
Denoting or relating to a type of knitting stitch produced by putting the needle through the front of each stitch from left to right.
Blank
Devoid of activity or distinctive character; empty
Tried to fill the blank hours of the day.
Plain
Used for emphasis
Perhaps the youth was just plain stupid
Blank
Absolute; complete
A blank refusal.
Plain
Clearly or unequivocally
I'm finished with you, I'll tell you plain
Blank
An empty space or place, especially an empty space on a document to be filled in.
Plain
A large area of flat land with few trees
The coastal plain
Blank
A document with one or more such spaces.
Plain
Mourn or lament.
Blank
Something without information or thought
When I read that question on the test, my mind was a blank.
Plain
Free from obstructions; open; clear
In plain view.
Blank
Something showing no expression or understanding
When he told his mother what happened, her face was a blank.
Plain
Obvious to the perception or mind; evident
Make one's intention plain.
Blank
A manufactured article of a standard shape or form that is ready for final processing, as by stamping or cutting
A key blank.
Plain
Not elaborate or complicated; simple
Plain food.
Blank
A blank cartridge.
Plain
Marked by little or no ornamentation or decoration
Plain garb.
Blank
Something worthless, such as a losing lottery ticket.
Plain
Straightforward; frank or candid
Plain talk.
Blank
A mark, usually a dash (—), indicating the omission of a word or of a letter or letters.
Plain
Not pretentious; unaffected.
Blank
The white circle in the center of a target; a bull's-eye.
Plain
Lacking beauty or distinction
A plain face.
Blank
(Games) An unmarked piece or portion of a piece, as a domino tile, whose value may be determined by the holder.
Plain
Not mixed with other substances; pure
Plain water.
Blank
To remove, as from view; obliterate
"At times the strong glare of the sun blanked it from sight" (Richard Wright).
Plain
Common in rank or station; average; ordinary
A plain man.
Blank
To block access to
Blank off a subway tunnel.
Plain
Not dyed, twilled, or patterned
A plain fabric.
Blank
(Sports) To prevent (an opponent) from scoring.
Plain
Sheer; utter; unqualified
Plain stupidity.
Blank
To punch or stamp from flat stock, especially with a die.
Plain
(Archaic) Having no visible elevation or depression; flat; level.
Blank
To become abstracted. Often used with out
My mind blanked out for a few seconds.
Plain
Often plains An extensive, level, usually treeless area of land.
Blank
To fail to find or remember something
I blanked when asked the name of our mayor.
Plain
A broad level expanse, as a part of the sea floor or a lunar mare.
Blank
To fade away
The music gradually blanked out.
Plain
Something free of ornamentation or extraneous matter.
Blank
(archaic) White or pale; without colour.
Plain
Clearly; simply
Plain stubborn.
Blank
Free from writing, printing, or marks; having an empty space to be filled in
Blank paper
A blank check
A blank ballot
A blank CD
Plain
Flat, level.
Blank
(figurative) Lacking characteristics which give variety; uniform.
A blank desert; a blank wall; blank unconsciousness
Plain
Simple, unaltered.
Blank
Absolute; downright; sheer.
There was a look of blank terror on his face.
A blank refusal to cooperate
Plain
Ordinary; lacking adornment or ornamentation; unembellished.
He was dressed simply in plain black clothes.
A plain tune
Blank
Without expression, usually due to incomprehension.
Failing to understand the question, he gave me a blank stare.
Plain
Of just one colour; lacking a pattern.
A plain pink polycotton skirt
Blank
Utterly confounded or discomfited.
Plain
Simple in habits or qualities; unsophisticated, not exceptional, ordinary.
They're just plain people like you or me.
Blank
Empty; void; without result; fruitless.
A blank day
Plain
(of food) Having only few ingredients, or no additional ingredients or seasonings; not elaborate, without toppings or extras.
Would you like a poppy bagel or a plain bagel?
Blank
Devoid of thoughts, memory, or inspiration.
The shock left his memory blank.
Plain
(computing) Containing no extended or nonprinting characters (especially in plain text).
Blank
(military) Of ammunition: having propellant but no bullets; unbulleted.
The recruits were issued with blank rounds for a training exercise.
Plain
Obvious.
Blank
A small French coin, originally of silver, afterwards of copper, worth 5 deniers; also a silver coin of Henry V current in the parts of France then held by the English, worth about 8 pence .
Plain
Evident to one's senses or reason; manifest, clear, unmistakable.
Blank
(obsolete) A nonplus 16th century.
Plain
Downright; total, unmistakable (as intensifier).
His answer was just plain nonsense.
Blank
The white spot in the centre of a target; hence (figuratively) the object to which anything is directed or aimed, the range of such aim .
Plain
Open.
Blank
A lot by which nothing is gained; a ticket in a lottery on which no prize is indicated since the 16th century.
Plain
Honest and without deception; candid, open; blunt.
Let me be plain with you: I don't like her.
Blank
An empty space; a void, for example on a paper .
Plain
Clear; unencumbered; equal; fair.
Blank
A space to be filled in on a form or template.
Write your answers in the blanks.
Plain
Not unusually beautiful; unattractive.
Throughout high school she worried that she had a rather plain face.
Blank
Provisional words printed in italics (instead of blank spaces) in a bill before Parliament, being matters of practical detail, of which the final form will be settled in Committee .
Plain
(card games) Not a trump.
Blank
A document, paper, or form with spaces left blank to be filled up at the pleasure of the person to whom it is given (e.g. a blank charter, ballot, form, contract, etc.), or as the event may determine; a blank form .
Plain
(obsolete) Full, complete in number or extent.
Blank
An empty form without substance; anything insignificant; nothing at all .
Plain
(colloquial) Simply.
It was just plain stupid.
I plain forgot.
Blank
An unprinted leaf of a book 20th century.
Plain
(archaic) Plainly; distinctly.
Tell me plain: do you love me or no?
Blank
(literature) Blank verse .
Plain
A lamentation.
Blank
A piece of metal (such as a coin, screw, nuts), cut and shaped to the required size of the thing to be made, and ready for the finishing operations; (coining) the disc of metal before stamping .
Plain
An expanse of land with relatively low relief, usually exclusive of forests, deserts, and wastelands.
Blank
Any article of glass on which subsequent processing is required since the 19th century.
Plain
(archaic) field in reference to a battlefield.
Blank
(electric recording) The shaved wax ready for placing on a recording machine for making wax records with a stylus 20th century.
Plain
(obsolete) plane: a flat geometric field.
Blank
(figurative) A vacant space, place, or period; a void since the 17th century.
Plain
To complain.
Blank
The 1 / 230400 of a grain 17th century.
Plain
To lament, bewail.
To plain a loss
Blank
An empty space in one's memory; a forgotten item or memory since the 18th century.
Plain
To level; to raze; to make plain or even on the surface.
Blank
A dash written in place of an omitted letter or word since the 18th century
Plain
To make plain or manifest; to explain.
Blank
The space character; the character resulting from pressing the space-bar on a keyboard.
Plain
To lament; to bewail; to complain.
We with piteous heart unto you pleyne.
Blank
(dominoes) A domino without points on one or both of its divisions.
The double blank
The six blank
Plain
To lament; to mourn over; as, to plain a loss.
Blank
(firearms) blank cartridge since the 19th century.
It was an unloaded gun that fired only blanks.
Plain
To plane or level; to make plain or even on the surface.
We would rake Europe rather, plain the East.
Blank
An ineffective effort which achieves nothing since the 20th century.
Plain
To make plain or manifest; to explain.
What's dumb in show, I'll plain in speech.
Blank
(chemistry) A sample for a control experiment that does not contain any of the analyte of interest, in order to deliberately produce a non-detection to verify that a detection is distinguishable from it.
Plain
Without elevations or depressions; flat; level; smooth; even. See Plane.
The crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.
Blank
(slang) Infertile semen.
Plain
Open; clear; unencumbered; equal; fair.
Our troops beat an army in plain fight.
Blank
(transitive) To make void; to erase.
I blanked out my previous entry.
Plain
Not intricate or difficult; evident; manifest; obvious; clear; unmistakable.
Blank
To ignore (a person) deliberately.
She blanked me for no reason.
Plain
Void of extraneous beauty or ornament; without conspicious embellishment; not rich; simple.
Blank
To render ineffective by blanketing with turbulent airflow, such as from aircraft wake or reverse thrust.
At high angles of attack, the shuttle's rudder is blanked by the fuselage and wings, forcing it to use its RCS thrusters for yaw control.
Plain
In a plain manner; plainly.
Blank
(transitive) To prevent from scoring; for example, in a sporting event.
The team was blanked.
England blanks Wales to advance to the final.
Plain
Level land; usually, an open field or a broad stretch of land with an even surface, or a surface little varied by inequalities; as, the plain of Jordan; the American plains, or prairies.
Descending fro the mountain into playn.
Him the AmmoniteWorshiped in Rabba and her watery plain.
Blank
(intransitive) To become blank.
Plain
A field of battle.
Lead forth my soldiers to the plain.
Blank
(intransitive) To be temporarily unable to remember.
I'm blanking on her name right now.
Plain
Extensive tract of level open land;
They emerged from the woods onto a vast open plain
He longed for the fields of his youth
Blank
Of a white or pale color; without color.
To the blank moonHer office they prescribed.
Plain
A basic knitting stitch
Blank
Free from writing, printing, or marks; having an empty space to be filled in with some special writing; - said of checks, official documents, etc.; as, blank paper; a blank check; a blank ballot.
Plain
Express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness;
My mother complains all day
She has a lot to kick about
Blank
Utterly confounded or discomfited.
Adam . . . astonied stood, and blank.
Plain
Clearly apparent or obvious to the mind or senses;
The effects of the drought are apparent to anyone who sees the parched fields
Evident hostility
Manifest disapproval
Patent advantages
Made his meaning plain
It is plain that he is no reactionary
In plain view
Blank
Empty; void; without result; fruitless; as, a blank space; a blank day.
Plain
Not elaborate or elaborated; simple;
Plain food
Stuck to the plain facts
A plain blue suit
A plain rectangular brick building
Blank
Lacking characteristics which give variety; as, a blank desert; a blank wall; destitute of interests, affections, hopes, etc.; as, to live a blank existence; destitute of sensations; as, blank unconsciousness.
Plain
Lacking patterns especially in color
Blank
Lacking animation and intelligence, or their associated characteristics, as expression of face, look, etc.; expressionless; vacant.
The blank . . . glance of a half returned consciousness.
Plain
Not mixed with extraneous elements;
Plain water
Sheer wine
Not an unmixed blessing
Blank
Absolute; downright; unmixed; as, blank terror.
Plain
Free from any effort to soften to disguise;
The plain and unvarnished truth
The unvarnished candor of old people and children
Blank
Any void space; a void space on paper, or in any written instrument; an interval void of consciousness, action, result, etc; a void.
I can not write a paper full, I used to do; and yet I will not forgive a blank of half an inch from you.
From this time there ensues a long blank in the history of French legislation.
I was ill. I can't tell how long - it was a blank.
Plain
Lacking embellishment or ornamentation;
A plain hair style
Unembellished white walls
Functional architecture featuring stark unornamented concrete
Blank
A lot by which nothing is gained; a ticket in a lottery on which no prize is indicated.
In Fortune's lottery liesA heap of blanks, like this, for one small prize.
Plain
Lacking stylistic embellishment;
A literal description
Wrote good but plain prose
A plain unadorned account of the coronation
A forthright unembellished style
Blank
A paper unwritten; a paper without marks or characters a blank ballot; - especially, a paper on which are to be inserted designated items of information, for which spaces are left vacant; a bland form.
The freemen signified their approbation by an inscribed vote, and their dissent by a blank.
Plain
Comprehensible to the general public;
Written for the popular press in plain nontechnical language
Blank
A paper containing the substance of a legal instrument, as a deed, release, writ, or execution, with spaces left to be filled with names, date, descriptions, etc.
Plain
Lacking in physical beauty or proportion;
A homely child
Several of the buildings were downright homely
A plain girl with a freckled face
Blank
The point aimed at in a target, marked with a white spot; hence, the object to which anything is directed.
Let me still remainThe true blank of thine eye.
Plain
Unmistakably (`plain' is often used informally for `plainly');
The answer is obviously wrong
She was in bed and evidently in great pain
He was manifestly too important to leave off the guest list
It is all patently nonsense
She has apparently been living here for some time
I thought he owned the property, but apparently not
You are plainly wrong
He is plain stubborn
Blank
Aim; shot; range.
I have stood . . . within the blank of his displeasureFor my free speech.
Blank
A kind of base silver money, first coined in England by Henry V., and worth about 8 pence; also, a French coin of the seventeenth century, worth about 4 pence.
Blank
A piece of metal prepared to be made into something by a further operation, as a coin, screw, nuts.
Blank
A piece or division of a piece, without spots; as, the "double blank"; the "six blank."
Blank
To make void; to annul.
Blank
To blanch; to make blank; to damp the spirits of; to dispirit or confuse.
Each opposite that blanks the face of joy.
Blank
A blank character used to separate successive words in writing or printing;
He said the space is the most important character in the alphabet
Blank
A substitute for a taboo word;
I hit the blank blank car
Blank
A blank gap or missing part
Blank
A piece of material ready to be made into something
Blank
A cartridge containing an explosive charge but no bullet
Blank
Keep the opposing (baseball) team from winning
Blank
Of a surface; not written or printed on;
Blank pages
Fill in the blank spaces
A clean page
Wide white margins
Blank
Void of expression;
A blank stare
Blank
Not charged with a bullet;
A blank cartridge
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when something is described as plain?
Something described as plain is simple and without any decoration or unnecessary features, focusing on functionality or minimalism.
Can a plain object also be blank?
While a plain object is simple in design or content, it's not necessarily blank. Blank implies a complete absence of content or features, whereas plain does not.
What characterizes a blank object or space?
A blank object or space is empty, without any content, marks, or decorations, often implying it's ready for someone to add something to it.
Why might someone choose a plain design over a blank canvas?
Someone might choose a plain design for its simplicity and minimalism, valuing functionality or a specific aesthetic, whereas a blank canvas is chosen with the intention of adding something to it.
Is a blank page in a book the same as a plain page?
A blank page is entirely empty, ready for writing or drawing. A plain page might have text but lacks complex design elements, focusing instead on clarity.
How does the use of plain language differ from a blank expression?
Plain language is clear and straightforward, meant to be easily understood, while a blank expression shows no emotion or reaction, often indicating confusion or disinterest.
Can a space be both plain and blank?
A space could be described as both if it's simply designed (plain) and currently empty or unused (blank), but typically, plain suggests some level of completion, while blank suggests emptiness or vacancy.
How does context affect the interpretation of plain and blank?
The interpretation can vary widely depending on context; in design, plain might be stylistically minimalistic, while in communication, blank might imply a lack of feedback or understanding.
What emotional response might a plain or blank design evoke?
A plain design might evoke feelings of calmness and simplicity, while a blank design could stimulate creativity or, alternatively, a sense of emptiness or lack of direction.
How do plain and blank differ in terms of potential for change?
Plain suggests a deliberate choice of simplicity with less emphasis on change, while blank implies potential and openness to new ideas or modifications.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
