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REFERENCE

vanity

n.
US //ˈvænəti// UK //vˈænɪti// van·i·ty
  1. 1 excessive pride (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having too much pride in your own appearance, abilities, or achievements.

    excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

    Example

    His vanity was so great that he couldn't walk past a mirror without looking at himself.

    Example

    The politician's vanity eventually became his downfall, as he refused to listen to any advice that contradicted his own high opinion of himself.
  2. 2 a dressing table (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    a small table with a mirror that you use when putting on makeup or fixing your hair.

    a piece of bedroom furniture consisting of a low table and a mirror, used while applying makeup or grooming.

    Example

    She sat at her vanity every morning to brush her hair and put on her jewelry.

    Example

    The antique vanity featured intricate wood carvings and a heavy crystal mirror that had been passed down through three generations.

    Usage

    Countable noun.

    Teacher's tip

    In British English, 'dressing table' is the standard term for this piece of furniture.
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  1. 3 a bathroom cabinet (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    a cabinet under a bathroom sink that hides the pipes and provides storage.

    a bathroom unit consisting of a washbasin set into a flat top with cupboards or drawers underneath.

    Example

    We chose a marble top for the new bathroom vanity during the renovation.

    Example

    The contractor suggested a double vanity for the master bathroom to provide sufficient storage and counter space for the couple.

    Usage

    Countable noun.
  2. 4 worthlessness (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    the quality of being useless or having no real value.

    the quality of being worthless, futile, or lacking in real value. Often used in literary or religious contexts.

    Example

    The poet wrote about the vanity of chasing fame and money.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that the pursuit of material wealth was mere vanity in the face of eternal truths.

    Usage

    Uncountable noun.

    Teacher's tip

    Often encountered in the phrase 'vanity of vanities' from biblical literature.
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.

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