vain
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
See also väin
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Middle English, from Old French vain, from Latin vānus (“empty”)
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Adjective
vain (comparative vainer or more vain, superlative vainest or most vain)
- overly proud of oneself, especially when concerning appearance
- (Can we date this quote?) Leo Rosten:
- Every writer is a narcissist. This does not mean that he is vain; it only means that he is hopelessly self-absorbed.
- (Can we date this quote?) Leo Rosten:
- having very little substance
- effecting no purpose; pointless, futile.
- (Can we date this quote?) William of Occam:
- It is vain to do with more what can be done with fewer.
- (Can we date this quote?) William of Occam:
[edit] Synonyms
- (pointless): pointless, futile, fruitless, ineffectual
- See also Wikisaurus:arrogant
- See also Wikisaurus:futile
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
overly proud of one's appearance
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based on very little substance
pointless, futile
[edit] External links
- vain in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- vain in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
[edit] Anagrams
[edit] Finnish
[edit] Adverb
vain
[edit] Usage notes
In many dialects, this word has transformed to vaan.
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Synonyms
- (only): ainoastaan
- (ever): tahansa
[edit] Anagrams
[edit] French
[edit] Pronunciation
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audio (file)
[edit] Adjective
vain m. (f. vaine, m. plural vains, f. plural vaines)
- useless, ineffective, fruitless
- vain, shallow