gulf vs plain

gulf

noun
  • A hollow place in the earth; an abyss; a deep chasm or basin. 

  • A portion of an ocean or sea extending into the land; a partially landlocked sea 

  • The bottom part of a list of those awarded a degree, for those who have only just passed. 

  • That which swallows irretrievably; a whirlpool; a sucking eddy. 

  • A large deposit of ore in a lode. 

  • A wide interval or gap; a separating space. 

  • A difference, especially a large difference, between groups. 

verb
  • To award a degree to somebody who has only just passed sufficiently. 

plain

noun
  • An expanse of land with relatively low relief, usually exclusive of forests, deserts, and wastelands. 

  • A lamentation. 

adj
  • Downright; total, unmistakable (as intensifier). 

  • Clear; unencumbered; equal; fair. 

  • Not a trump. 

  • Containing no extended or nonprinting characters (especially in plain text). 

  • Not unusually beautiful; unattractive. 

  • Evident to one's senses or reason; manifest, clear, unmistakable. 

  • Honest and without deception; candid, open; blunt. 

  • Simple in habits or qualities; unsophisticated, not exceptional, ordinary. 

  • Ordinary; lacking adornment or ornamentation; unembellished. 

  • Having only few ingredients, or no additional ingredients or seasonings; not elaborate, without toppings or extras. 

  • Of just one colour; lacking a pattern. 

adv
  • Simply. 

How often have the words gulf and plain occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )