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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.

vain

/**American phonetic transcription:** veɪn/ /**British phonetic transcription:** veɪn/

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!

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