What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lowland
Example
The river flows through the lowlands before reaching the sea. [lowlands: noun]
Example
The lowland forests are home to a variety of wildlife. [lowland: adjective]
plain
Example
The Great Plains of North America stretch from Canada to Mexico. [plains: noun]
Example
The plain landscape was interrupted only by the occasional tree or shrub. [plain: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plain is more commonly used than lowland in everyday language. Plain is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while lowland is less common and may be more specific to certain regions or geographic features.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lowland and plain?
Both lowland and plain are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional settings.