Vain
Origin
From Middle English, from Old French vain, from Latin vÄnus ("empty")
Full definition of vain
Adjective
vain
- Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.
- unknown date Leo RostenEvery writer is a narcissist. This does not mean that he is vain; it only means that he is hopelessly self-absorbed.
- Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
- William Shakespeare (1564-1616)thy vain excuse
- Bible, Ephesians v. 6Let no man deceive you with vain words.
- John Milton (1608-1674)Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy.
- Effecting no purpose; pointless, futile.vain toil; a vain attempt
- John Dryden (1631-1700)Vain is the force of man
To crush the pillars which the pile sustain. - unknown date William of OccamIt is vain to do with more what can be done with fewer.
- 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 6, But Sophia's mother was not the woman to brook defiance. After a few moments' vain remonstrance her husband complied. His manner and appearance were suggestive of a satiated sea-lion.
- Showy; ostentatious.
- Alexander Pope (1688-1744)Load some vain church with old theatric state.