Vain - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Vain means having excessive pride in one’s appearance or achievements, often leading to a sense of superiority. It can also describe actions or efforts that are pointless or unsuccessful.
Definition:
Having excessive pride in appearance or achievements, producing no result.
Synonyms:
Conceited, arrogant, egotistical, self-important
Part of Speech:
Adjective
Antonyms:
Humble, modest
Common Collocations:
Vain attempt, vain effort, vain hope
Derivatives:
Vainly, vanity
Usage Tips:
Use "vain" to describe someone overly proud or efforts that achieve nothing; avoid confusing with "vein."
Common Phrases:
In vain, take someone's name in vain, vain as a peacock
Etymology:
From Latin *vanus* meaning "empty" or "without substance."
Examples:
- 1. She spent hours in front of the mirror, too vain to leave without makeup.
- 2. His vain attempts to fix the broken vase failed miserably.
- 3. The politician’s promises proved vain when nothing changed.
- 4. Don’t be so vain—no one noticed your small mistake!