English Lexicon

Vanity

/ˈvæn.ɪ.ti/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements.

    "Her vanity was evident in the way she constantly checked her reflection in the mirror."
  2. 2

    The quality of being worthless or futile.

    "He realized the vanity of his pursuits after reflecting on his life choices."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'vanity' originates from the Latin 'vanitas', meaning 'emptiness' or 'futility', which evolved through Old French 'vanité' before entering Middle English. Its meaning has shifted over time from a general sense of emptiness to a more specific connotation of excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements.

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