plainly

Compared meaning: in a simple, clear way (adverb).

比较义项：以简单、清楚的方式（做事或表达）（副词）。

• simply

  Highlights lack of complexity — making something uncomplicated or easy to do or understand; also common for a plain, unadorned style or lifestyle (dress simply, live simply).

  强调不复杂——让事情容易做或容易理解；也常用于朴素、不加修饰的风格或生活方式，例如穿着朴素、生活简朴。

  They chose to live simply, with few possessions and expenses.

  他们选择过简朴的生活，几乎没有什么财物和开支。

• plainly 本词

  Stresses clarity and directness, often about speech that is easy to make out or understand fully; typically used when someone should be heard or understood without confusion.

  强调清楚、直接，常指说话清楚到能被完全听清或理解；多用于希望别人能听清或理解无误的场合。

  Speak plainly so the whole audience can hear every word.

  请讲得清楚一些，好让全体听众都能听清每一个字。

Both words describe something done in a simple, clear way. Simply stresses lack of complexity, used for style or explanations, as in 'dress simply.' Plainly stresses clarity and directness, often about speech that is easy to understand. Simply can also mean 'only,' not compared here.

这两个词都表示做事或表达的方式不复杂、容易理解，但侧重点不同：simply 更强调“简单、不复杂”，适用范围较广，可用于穿着、生活方式或解释说明；plainly 更强调“清楚、直接”，常用于说话或陈述，并带有坦率的意味。此外，simply 也常表示“仅仅、只是”这一义项，这里不作比较；plainly 也可表示“显然地”这一义项，这里同样不作比较。