plain suit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal (when referring to clothing); Technical (in card games); Informal/Figurative (when used metaphorically).
Quick answer
What does “plain suit” mean?
A standard, unadorned, single-colour business suit for a man or woman, as opposed to a patterned, striped, or checked one.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A standard, unadorned, single-colour business suit for a man or woman, as opposed to a patterned, striped, or checked one.
In contract bridge and other card games, a suit (e.g., hearts, clubs) that is not trump. Informally, something ordinary, basic, or unremarkable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In clothing, 'lounge suit' (UK) is a more common superordinate term, within which a 'plain suit' is a subtype. US usage may more readily use 'solid suit' or 'solid-color suit' as a near-synonym.
Connotations
In both, it connotes conservatism, professionalism, or simplicity. In a fashion context, it can have a slightly negative connotation of being boring.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both varieties. More common in specific contexts like menswear descriptions or bridge commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “plain suit” in a Sentence
He wore [a plain suit].She prefers [plain suits].You must follow suit if you have no cards in the led [plain suit].It was just [a plain suit].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plain suit” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He chose a plain-suit look for the interview.
- It was a plain-suit affair, no fancy dress.
American English
- He preferred a plain-suit style for the courtroom.
- The dress code was strictly plain-suit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in descriptions of corporate dress codes or professional attire, e.g., 'The policy requires a dark plain suit for client meetings.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or sociological studies of fashion or in game theory papers discussing bridge.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Might be used when describing someone's clothing in detail or discussing a card game.
Technical
Standard, defined term in contract bridge and whist for any suit not designated as trump.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plain suit”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plain suit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plain suit”
- Confusing 'plain suit' (clothing) with 'suit' meaning lawsuit. Misspelling as 'plane suit'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He plain suited').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Plain' refers to the lack of pattern, not the colour. It can be grey, brown, blue, etc., as long as it is a solid, single colour.
Yes, though it is less common. It is perfectly applicable to a woman's single-colour, unpatterned trouser suit or skirt suit.
'Follow suit' is an idiom from card games meaning to do the same as the previous player. 'Plain suit' is the specific card game term for a non-trump suit. You 'follow suit' by playing a card from the 'plain suit' that was led.
It is standard business or formal daywear. It is not, by itself, evening wear like a tuxedo (which is also often plain, but has specific stylistic features).
A standard, unadorned, single-colour business suit for a man or woman, as opposed to a patterned, striped, or checked one.
Plain suit: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpleɪn ˈsuːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpleɪn ˈsuːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Follow suit (from the card game meaning, meaning to do the same as someone else).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PLAIN field with no patterns, just one colour. A PLAIN SUIT is like that field turned into clothing - no stripes, checks, or flowers.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIMPLICITY IS PLAINNESS / LACK OF DECORATION IS SERIOUSNESS. A plain suit metaphorically represents straightforwardness, lack of pretence, or focus on fundamentals.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'plain suit' LEAST likely to be used?