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Plein - air-Meaning, Definition & English Examples

plein

/pleɪn/ /pleɪn/

Definition:

Open, spacious area, often outdoors; a public square or park in French-speaking regions.

Synonyms:

square, plaza, park, open space, courtyard

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

enclosed space, confined area, interior

Common Collocations:

plein air, plein café, plein soleil

Derivatives:

pleinement (adverb), pleinitude (noun)

Usage Tips:

Use "plein" to describe open outdoor spaces or French-style public squares; often paired with French terms like "plein air."

Common Phrases:

en plein air, à plein temps, de plein gré

Etymology:

From Old French "plain," meaning flat or open space; derived from Latin "planus" (flat).

Examples:

  • 1. The sun shone brightly in the plein near the café.
  • 2. Artists love painting en plein air for natural light.
  • 3. The children played freely in the village plein.
  • 4. We enjoyed a coffee at the plein’s outdoor tables.

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