Meaning & Definition of Vanity in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The quality of being vain; excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements.

  Example Sentence: Her vanity made her spend hours in front of the mirror.

• Definition: Futility; something that is worthless or of no value.

  Example Sentence: He realized the vanity of his pursuit of wealth.

• Definition: A decorative case or table for holding toiletries and personal items, often with a mirror.

  Example Sentence: The bathroom had a beautiful antique vanity.

• Definition: The condition of possibility of being vain.

  Example Sentence: The vanity of human life is often a theme in philosophy.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'vanitas', meaning 'emptiness, futility'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• vanity fair: A place or scene of superficiality or ostentatious behavior.
• vanity project: A project undertaken primarily for the satisfaction of the person leading it rather than for practical reasons.
• in vain: Without success or a result; futile.

Translations

• Spanish: vanidad

• French: vanité

• German: Eitelkeit

• Russian: тщеславие

Related Words

• vain: Having an excessively high opinion of one's appearance or abilities.

• vainglory: Excessive vanity, especially in one's achievements.

• egotism: Excessive use of the first person; egoism.

Slang Meanings of vanity

• Meaning: Being too focused on appearances.

  Example Sentence: Don't be so vain, nobody cares about your new haircut.

• Meaning: Showing off or being ostentatious.

  Example Sentence: His vanity was off the charts at the party with that flashy suit.