VANITY

conceit, conceitedness, vanity

(noun) the trait of being unduly vain and conceited; false pride

vanity, emptiness

(noun) the quality of being valueless or futile; “he rejected the vanities of the world”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

vanity (countable and uncountable, plural vanities)

That which is vain, futile, or worthless; that which is of no value, use or profit.

Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own abilities, appearance or achievements.

A dressing table used to apply makeup, preen, and coif hair. The table is normally quite low and similar to a desk, with drawers and one or more mirrors on top. Either a chair or bench is used to sit upon.

A washbasin installed into a permanently fixed storage unit, used as an item of bathroom furniture.

Emptiness.

(obsolete) Any idea, theory or statement that is without foundation.

Synonyms

• conceit

• egotism

• narcissism

• pride

• See also arrogance

Source: Wiktionary

Van"i*ty, n.; pl. Vanities. Etym: [OE. vanite, vanité, L. vanitas, fr. vanus empty, vain. See Vain.]

1. The quality or state of being vain; want of substance to satisfy desire; emptiness; unsubstantialness; unrealness; falsity. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. Eccl. i. 2. Here I may well show the vanity of that which is reported in the story of Walsingham. Sir J. Davies.

2. An inflation of mind upon slight grounds; empty pride inspired by an overweening conceit of one's personal attainments or decorations; an excessive desire for notice or approval; pride; ostentation; conceit. The exquisitely sensitive vanity of Garrick was galled. Macaulay.

3. That which is vain; anything empty, visionary, unreal, or unsubstantial; fruitless desire or effort; trifling labor productive of no good; empty pleasure; vain pursuit; idle show; unsubstantial enjoyment. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher. Eccl. i. 2. Vanity possesseth many who are desirous to know the certainty of things to come. Sir P. Sidney. [Sin] with vanity had filled the works of men. Milton. Think not, when woman's transient breath is fled, That all her vanities at once are dead; Succeeding vanities she still regards. Pope.

4. One of the established characters in the old moralities and puppet shows. See Morality, n., 5. You . . . take vanity the puppet's part. Shak.

Syn.

– Egotism; pride; emptiness; worthlessness; self-sufficiency. See Egotism, and Pride.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition