plate

In a sentence

• Cette assiette est plate et idéale pour servir des hors-d'œuvre.

  This plate is flat and ideal for serving hors d'oeuvres.

  Here, 'plate' is an adjective used to describe the shape of the plate in contrast to curved or deep plates, indicating flatness.

• La soupe semble un peu plate, ajoutez du sel pour relever le goût.

  The soup seems a bit bland; add some salt to enhance the flavor.

  In this sentence, 'plate' is used figuratively as an adjective to describe lack of intensity in flavor, typical for culinary contexts.

• Lorsqu'on regarde l'horizon, la terre semble plate.

  When looking at the horizon, the Earth appears flat.

  Here, 'plate' denotes the concept of flatness when describing the appearance of the Earth's surface.