vain

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
  2. adjective unproductive of success

Etymology

From Middle English veyn, from Old French vain, from Latin vānus (“empty”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

conceited, egotistic, egotistical, self-conceited, swollen, swollen-headed

A single word — an entire dictionary opens.

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning

Continue reading