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Vanity

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Excessive pride in or admiration for one’s own appearance or achievements.
2. A piece of furniture with a mirror, often used by women for grooming.
3. The quality of being futile or without real value, often used to describe pursuits or goals that are considered superficial or insignificant.

History and Origin

The word “vanity” comes from the Latin word vanitas, meaning “emptiness” or “futility.” It has roots in the idea of something being hollow or without substance. The concept of vanity has evolved to describe not only self-admiration but also the pursuit of empty or superficial goals, often associated with materialism and shallow pursuits. The term has been used in various religious and philosophical contexts to highlight the emptiness of earthly desires.

Detailed Explanation

Vanity refers to an inflated sense of one’s own importance, beauty, or achievements. It is often associated with excessive self-love, admiration for one’s outward appearance, or the pursuit of superficial goals such as fame or wealth. While some degree of pride is natural, vanity implies a preoccupation with oneself that may lead to arrogance or a lack of genuine self-awareness. Additionally, “vanity” is used in a more literal sense to describe a piece of furniture, commonly used for grooming, which has a mirror and is often equipped with drawers for storing cosmetics and personal items.

Example Sentences

1. Her vanity was evident in the way she constantly admired herself in the mirror.
2. The artist’s vanity led him to believe his work was the best in the world.
3. His obsession with his appearance is a clear example of vanity.
4. She spent hours at her vanity, applying makeup before the event.
5. The vanity of the rich and famous is often exaggerated in the media.
6. His vanity prevented him from accepting constructive criticism.
7. The novel explores the theme of vanity and the futility of chasing shallow goals.
8. She was too focused on her vanity to notice the needs of others.
9. Vanity can sometimes cause individuals to overlook deeper, more meaningful aspects of life.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Egoism – An excessive focus on oneself, similar to vanity but often with a greater emphasis on self-interest.
2. Narcissism – An extreme form of vanity, where one has an excessive admiration for oneself.
3. Conceit – An inflated sense of one’s abilities or attractiveness, closely related to vanity.
4. Self-absorption – A preoccupation with oneself, often seen as a form of vanity.
5. Pride – A feeling of self-satisfaction, though not always excessive like vanity, it can be related when it is overly focused on appearance or achievements.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Superficial – Concerned only with what is apparent or external, often linked to vanity.
2. Materialism – A focus on material wealth and possessions, often associated with vain pursuits.
3. Self-love – A positive regard for oneself, but when excessive, it can cross into vanity.
4. Arrogance – An attitude of superiority that often stems from vanity.
5. Folly – A lack of good sense or wisdom, sometimes related to the foolishness of vanity.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Futile – Pointless or ineffective, often used to describe the outcomes of vanity-driven actions.
2. Empty – Lacking in substance, often used in the context of vanity to describe goals that are hollow.
3. Self-obsession – An excessive focus on oneself, akin to vanity.
4. Vain – The adjective form describing someone who is excessively proud of their appearance or accomplishments.
5. Inconsiderate – Acting without regard for others, which can be a result of vanity.

Antonyms

1. Modesty
2. Humility
3. Selflessness
4. Self-effacement
5. Unpretentiousness