plain people: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, historical, journalistic, academic
Quick answer
What does “plain people” mean?
A collective term for members of certain Christian groups, notably the Amish, Old Order Mennonites, and similar Anabaptist denominations, characterized by a lifestyle of simplicity, humility, separation from the world, and distinctive plain dress.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A collective term for members of certain Christian groups, notably the Amish, Old Order Mennonites, and similar Anabaptist denominations, characterized by a lifestyle of simplicity, humility, separation from the world, and distinctive plain dress.
More broadly, any group or individuals who adopt a conspicuously simple, unadorned, and traditional way of life, often for religious or philosophical reasons, rejecting modern conveniences and fashion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is far more prevalent in American English due to the significant population of Amish and related communities in the US. In British English, the concept is less culturally embedded and the term is primarily used in academic or descriptive contexts about North America.
Connotations
In American English, it immediately evokes the specific, well-known communities (e.g., in Pennsylvania, Ohio). In British English, it may be interpreted more generically as 'simple folk' unless context is provided.
Frequency
High frequency in specific American regional contexts (e.g., Lancaster County); low frequency in general British English.
Grammar
How to Use “plain people” in a Sentence
the Plain People of [region]live like the plain peoplea community of plain peopleVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. May appear in niche contexts like tourism (e.g., 'plain people country tours').
Academic
Used in anthropology, sociology, religious studies, and history to describe specific ethno-religious groups and their cultural practices.
Everyday
Used in regions where such communities are present; otherwise, used when discussing travel, documentaries, or themes of simple living.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside specific cultural or religious studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plain people”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plain people”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plain people”
- Using lowercase when referring to the specific religious groups (should often be capitalized).
- Using it as a synonym for 'poor people' or 'uneducated people', which is inaccurate and offensive.
- Omitting the definite article 'the' when referring to the group as a whole (e.g., 'We studied Plain People' vs. 'We studied the Plain People').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Amish are the most well-known group of Plain People, but the term also includes other Anabaptist groups like the Old Order Mennonites, the Hutterites, and some Brethren. 'Plain People' is the broader umbrella category.
No, using it this way is a misunderstanding. The term is a specific cultural and religious identifier, not a general compliment for minimalism. Using it loosely can be seen as disrespectful appropriation of a specific identity.
Their rejection is not of technology per se, but of technologies they believe promote worldliness, pride, inequality, or undermine community and family bonds. Each community has its own set of rules (Ordnung) defining what is acceptable.
Generally, no. Most plain people consider having their photograph taken a violation of the Biblical prohibition against graven images (Exodus 20:4) and an act of personal vanity. It is important to respect their beliefs and privacy.
Plain people is usually formal, historical, journalistic, academic in register.
Plain people: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpleɪn ˈpiːp(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpleɪn ˈpipəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a vast, unadorned PLAIN landscape, and on it, PEOPLE wearing simple, dark clothing. The setting and the dress are both 'plain'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIMPLICITY IS MORAL PURITY; MODERNITY IS CORRUPTION
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of the 'plain people' as discussed in the entry?