late 14c., "frankly, candidly; without a doubt, truly; in a clear and distinct manner; simply, straightforwardly," from plain (adj.) + -ly (2). Meaning "simply, frugally" is from 1560s.
she was dressed plainly
You are plainly wrong
plaice
plaid
plain
plain clothes
plain Jane
plainly
plainness
Plains
plainsman
plain-song
plain-spoken