ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vanity

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈvænəti// UK //vˈænɪti// van·i·ty Archaic

n. too much pride in your own appearance or achievements. It describes the feeling that you are more important or attractive than you really are.

n. excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance, qualities, or achievements. Often carries a pejorative connotation of superficiality or narcissism.


SIMPLE

His vanity prevents him from wearing his glasses in public.

CONTEXTUAL

The actor's vanity was so great that he insisted on approving every single photo used for the film's promotion.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that human vanity is the primary driver of social competition, as people strive to project an image of success that exceeds their actual merit.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From va(i)n + -ity, from Middle English vanite, from Old French vanité, from Latin vānitas, from vānus, whence English vain. Doublet of vanitas.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the personality trait; can be countable when referring to a specific piece of furniture (a dressing table).

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