Vain

Monday 26^th  September 2016

Vain /veɪn/

 Adjective

1. Inordinately proud of one's appearance, possessions, or achievements

2. Given to ostentatious display, esp of one's beauty

3.Worthless

4. Senseless or futile

Noun

5. In vain, to no avail; fruitlessly

6. Take someone's name in vain

a. to use the name of someone, esp God, without due respect or reverence

b. (jocular) to mention someone's name

Derived Forms

Adverb - vainly
Noun - vainness

Quote

“In vain we fight for improving the court system,” Gannushkina said with

emotion.

As Authorities Crack Down, Activists Escape From Russia

Anna Nemtsova 24 December 2012

Origin

adj.

c.1300 "devoid of real value, idle, unprofitable," from Old French vein

Meaning "conceited" first recorded 1690’s from earlier

sense of "silly, idle, foolish" (late 14c.). 

Phrase in vain "to no effect"(c.1300, after Latin in vanum) preserves the original sense. 

Related: Vainly.

Thanks to: www.dictionary.com