from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Vain \Vain\ (v[=a]n), a. [Compar. {Vainer}; superl. {Vainest}.]
[F. vain, L. vanus empty, void, vain. Cf. {Vanish}, {Vanity},
{Vaunt} to boast.]
1. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty;
void; worthless; unsatisfying. "Thy vain excuse." --Shak.
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Every man walketh in a vain show. --Ps. xxxix.
6.
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Let no man deceive you with vain words. --Eph. v. 6.
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Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye!
--Shak.
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Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy. --Milton.
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2. Destitute of force or efficacy; effecting no purpose;
fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt.
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Bring no more vain oblations. --Isa. i. 13.
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Vain is the force of man
To crush the pillars which the pile sustain.
--Dryden.
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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.
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But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart
from works is barren? --James ii. 20
(Rev. Ver.).
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The minstrels played on every side,
Vain of their art. --Dryden.
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4. Showy; ostentatious.
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Load some vain church with old theatric state.
--Pope.
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Syn: Empty; worthless; fruitless; ineffectual; idle; unreal;
shadowy; showy; ostentatious; light; inconstant;
deceitful; delusive; unimportant; trifling.
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