vain
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
See also väin
Contents |
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Middle English, from Old French vain, from Latin vānus (“empty”)
Pronunciation[edit]
Adjective[edit]
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:
Synonyms[edit]
- (pointless): pointless, futile, fruitless, ineffectual
- See also Wikisaurus:arrogant
- See also Wikisaurus:futile
Derived terms[edit]
Related terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
overly proud of one's appearance
based on very little substance
pointless, futile
External links[edit]
- vain in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- vain in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
Anagrams[edit]
Finnish[edit]
Adverb[edit]
vain
- only, merely, exclusively, solely, just
- ever, in the phrasal adjective mikä vain
- whenever, in the phrasal adjective milloin vain
Usage notes[edit]
In many dialects, this word has transformed to vaan.
Derived terms[edit]
Synonyms[edit]
- (only): ainoastaan
- (ever): tahansa
Anagrams[edit]
French[edit]
Pronunciation[edit]
-
audio (file)
Adjective[edit]
vain m (feminine vaine, masculine plural vains, feminine plural vaines)
- useless, ineffective, fruitless
- vain, shallow
Synonyms[edit]
Related terms[edit]
Jèrriais[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Old French vain, from Latin vānus (“empty”).
Adjective[edit]
vain m (feminine vaine, masculine plural vains, feminine plural vaines)