What does vanity mean?
Definitions for vanity
ˈvæn ɪ tivan·i·ty
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word vanity.
Princeton's WordNet
amour propre, conceit, self-love, vanitynoun
feelings of excessive pride
vanity, emptinessnoun
the quality of being valueless or futile
"he rejected the vanities of the world"
conceit, conceitedness, vanitynoun
the trait of being unduly vain and conceited; false pride
dressing table, dresser, vanity, toilet tablenoun
low table with mirror or mirrors where one sits while dressing or applying makeup
GCIDE
Vanitynoun
same as dressing table.
Vanitynoun
A cabinet built around a bathroom sink, usually with a countertop and sometimes drawers.
Wiktionary
vanitynoun
That which is vain, futile, or worthless; that which is of no value, use or profit.
vanitynoun
Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own abilities, appearance or achievements.
vanitynoun
A dressing table used to apply makeup, preen, and coif hair. The table is normally quite low and similar to a desk, with drawers and one or more mirrors atop. Either a chair or bench is used to sit upon.
vanitynoun
Emptiness.
vanitynoun
Any idea, theory or statement that is without foundation.
Etymology: vanus: emptiness or a void - vanitas: vanity through vanité to Middle English.
Wikipedia
Vanity
Vanity is the excessive belief in one's own abilities or attractiveness to others. Prior to the 14th century it did not have such narcissistic undertones, and merely meant futility. The related term vainglory is now often seen as an archaic synonym for vanity, but originally meant considering one's own capabilities and that God's help was not needed, i.e. unjustified boasting; although glory is now seen as having a predominantly positive meaning, the Latin term from which it derives, gloria, roughly means boasting, and was often used as a negative criticism.
ChatGPT
vanity
Vanity can refer to excessive pride or admiration in one's own appearance, qualities, achievements, or possessions. It is a characteristic of individuals who are overly concerned about their outward image and seek validation and attention from others. Vanity often leads to self-centered behavior and can result in a disregard for others' feelings or needs.
Webster Dictionary
Vanitynoun
the quality or state of being vain; want of substance to satisfy desire; emptiness; unsubstantialness; unrealness; falsity
Vanitynoun
an inflation of mind upon slight grounds; empty pride inspired by an overweening conceit of one's personal attainments or decorations; an excessive desire for notice or approval; pride; ostentation; conceit
Vanitynoun
that which is vain; anything empty, visionary, unreal, or unsubstantial; fruitless desire or effort; trifling labor productive of no good; empty pleasure; vain pursuit; idle show; unsubstantial enjoyment
Vanitynoun
one of the established characters in the old moralities and puppet shows. See Morality, n., 5
Etymology: [OE. vanite, F. vanit, L. vanitas, fr. vanus empty, vain. See Vain.]
Wikidata
Vanity
In conventional parlance, vanity is the excessive belief in one's own abilities or attractiveness to others. Prior to the 14th century it did not have such narcissistic undertones, and merely meant futility. The related term vainglory is now often seen as an archaic synonym for vanity, but originally meant boasting in vain, i.e. unjustified boasting; although glory is now seen as having an exclusively positive meaning, the Latin term gloria roughly means boasting, and was often used as a negative criticism.
Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
Vanity
See Vain.
Editors Contribution
Vanity
Vanity is nothing else but excessive pride, regard, trust, hope, admiration or dependence in one's own or someone else's riches, wealth, social status, family background, qualification, beauty, handsomeness or stuffs like that.
Emeasoba George
Submitted by emeasoba_g on February 28, 2018
Suggested Resources
vanity
Song lyrics by vanity -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by vanity on the Lyrics.com website.
Matched Categories
Usage in printed sourcesFrom:
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of vanity in Chaldean Numerology is: 9
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of vanity in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1
Examples of vanity in a Sentence
Those who live on vanity must, not unreasonably, expect to die of mortification.
What is shameful is that Nick Langworthy, who has never held a job that wasn’t paid for by his millionaire donors or the taxpayers, is using his position as state party chair to benefit his failing vanity project of running for Congress.
In the stress of modern life, how little room is left for that most comfortable vanity that whispers in our ears that failures are not faults! Now we are taught from infancy that we must rise or fall upon our own merits; that vigilance wins success, and incapacity means ruin.
Do not follow the bad example which I have set you; I have often undertaken war too lightly and have sustained it for vanity. Do not imitate me, but be a peaceful prince, and may you apply yourself principally to the alleviation of the burdens of your subjects
The time for these vanity projects is long gone. Some of these folks, including Beto, have got to face reality, realize they're not going to be president of the United States and look at alternatives.
Popularity rank by frequency of use
References
Translations for vanity
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
- ydelheidAfrikaans
- غرورArabic
- vanitatCatalan, Valencian
- marnivost, domýšlivost, jalovost, ješitnostCzech
- EitelkeitGerman
- ματαιοδοξίαGreek
- vantecoEsperanto
- vanidadSpanish
- edevus, mõttetus, tühisusEstonian
- غرورPersian
- turhuus, turhamaisuus, tyhjyysFinnish
- vanitéFrench
- faoineas, dìomhanas, uaillScottish Gaelic
- vaidadeGalician
- घमंडHindi
- hiúság, üresség, hiábavalóság, haszontalanság, önteltségHungarian
- ունայնություն, սնափառությունArmenian
- kesombonganIndonesian
- vanitàItalian
- יהירותHebrew
- 虚栄心Japanese
- суетаMacedonian
- ijdelheidDutch
- forfengelighetNorwegian
- próżnośćPolish
- vaidadePortuguese
- îngâmfare, vanitate, mândrieRomanian
- суета́, тщесла́виеRussian
- slavoljublje, sujeta, visokoumljeSerbo-Croatian
- fåfängaSwedish
- โต๊ะเครื่องแป้งThai
- kibirTurkish
- марнославствоUkrainian
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"vanity." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 19 Jan. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/vanity>.
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