Vain



GRE Barron 考研

解释

GRE 红宝书

• adj. 自负的; 徒劳的
• ［英］ adj. 自负的 ( full of self-admiration) ; 徒劳的 ( without result)
• ［类］ primp : vain / gloat : smug ( 打扮是一种虚荣的表现 / 幸灾乐祸是一种自喜的表现)
• ［例］ a vain attemp

Webster Collegiate

adjective

• Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, empty, futile, from Latin vanus — more at wane
• Date: 14th century
• 1. having no real value ; idle, worthless <vain pretensions>
• 2. marked by futility or ineffectualness ; unsuccessful, useless <vain efforts to escape>
• 3. archaic foolish, silly
• 4. having or showing undue or excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements ; conceited
• Synonyms: see futile
• ? vainly adverb
• ? vainness noun
• Synonyms:
  • vain, nugatory, otiose, idle, empty, hollow mean being without worth or significance. vain implies either absolute or relative absence of value <vain promises>. nugatory suggests triviality or insignificance<a monarch with nugatory powers>. otiose suggests that something serves no purpose and is either an encumbrance or a superfluity<a film without a single otiose scene>. idle suggests being incapable of worthwhile use or effect<idle speculations>. empty and hollow suggest a deceiving lack of real substance or soundness or genuineness<an empty attempt at reconciliation><a hollow victory>.

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