- Vain
- Vain Vain, a. [Compar. {Vainer}; superl. {Vainest}.] [F. vain,
L. vanus empty, void, vain. Cf. {Vanish}, {Vanity}, {Vaunt}
to boast.]
[1913 Webster]
1. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty;
void; worthless; unsatisfying. ``Thy vain excuse.''
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Every man walketh in a vain show. --Ps. xxxix. 6. [1913 Webster]
Let no man deceive you with vain words. --Eph. v. 6. [1913 Webster]
Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye! --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Vain visdom all, and false philosophy. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
2. Destitute of forge or efficacy; effecting no purpose; fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt. [1913 Webster]
Bring no more vain oblations. --Isa. i. 13. [1913 Webster]
Vain is the force of man To crush the pillars which the pile sustain. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason; conceited; puffed up; inflated. [1913 Webster]
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren? --James ii. 20 (Rev. Ver.). [1913 Webster]
The minstrels played on every side, Vain of their art. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
4. Showy; ostentatious. [1913 Webster]
Load some vain church with old theatric state. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Empty; worthless; fruitless; ineffectual; idle; unreal; shadowy; showy; ostentatious; light; inconstant; deceitful; delusive; unimportant; trifling. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
