Definition for: vain

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English

Etymology

From Middle English vain < Old French vain < Latin vānus , "empty"

Pronunciation

• IPA: /veɪn/
• AHD: /vān/
• Rhymes: -eɪn

Adjective

vain

1. overly proud of oneself, especially when concerning appearance

   Every writer is a narcissist. This does not mean that he is vain; it only means that he is hopelessly self-absorbed. –Leo Rosten

2. having very little substance
3. pointless, futile

   It is vain to do with more what can be done with fewer. –William of Occam

Translations

overly proud of one's appearance

based on very little substance

pointless, futile

Homophones

• vane
• vein

Related terms

• in vain
• vainness
• vainly
• vanity
• shallow

Finnish

Adverb

vain

1. only, merely, exclusively, solely, just

French

Adjective

vain

1. useless, ineffective

Synonyms

• inutile

Related terms

• vanité
• vaniteux

Other Translations for "vain"

Braille 6 Dot
Braille 8 Dot
Sign Language Spelling
Morse Code		vain
Hex		f6 e1 69 ee
Pig Latin		ainvay

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