Plein - air-Meaning, Definition & English Examples
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.