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vainest |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Vain \Vain\, 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. Every man walketh in a vain show --Ps. xxxix 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words --Eph. v. 6. Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye! --Shak. Vain visdom all and false philosophy. --Milton. 2. Destitute of forge or efficacy; effecting no purpose; fruitless; ineffectual; as vain toil; a vain attempt. Bring no more vain oblations. --Isa. i. 13. Vain is the force of man To crush the pillars which the pile sustain. --Dryden. 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. But wilt thou know O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren? --James ii 20 (Rev. Ver.). The minstrels played on every side Vain of their art. --Dryden. 4. Showy; ostentatious. Load some vain church with old theatric state. --Pope. Syn: Empty; worthless; fruitless; ineffectual; idle; unreal; shadowy; showy; ostentatious; light; inconstant; deceitful; delusive; unimportant; trifling.
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