[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

vain \vain\ v=an, 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.
      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 wisdom all, and false philosophy. --milton.
      1913 webster

   2. destitute of force 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
see also:
vainer vainest vanish vanity vaunt 

Vainer >> V Words
Vainer, definition of term: Vainer
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