vanity

¹van·i·ty

noun \ˈva-nə-tē\

plural van·i·ties

Definition of VANITY

1

: something that is vain, empty, or valueless

2

: the quality or fact of being vain

3

: inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance : conceit

4

: a fashionable trifle or knickknack

5

a : ³compact a

b : a small case or handbag for toilet articles used by women

6

a : dressing table

b : a bathroom cabinet containing a sink and usually having a countertop

Examples of VANITY

1. The handsome actor's vanity was well-known.
2. She described her accomplishments without exaggeration or vanity.

Origin of VANITY

Middle English vanite, from Anglo-French vanité, from Latin vanitat-, vanitas quality of being empty or vain, from vanus empty, vain — more at wane

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to VANITY

Synonyms

amour propre, bighead, complacency, conceit, conceitedness, ego, egotism, pomposity, pompousness, pride, pridefulness, self-admiration, self-assumption, self-conceit, self-congratulation, self-esteem, self-glory, self-importance, self-love, self-opinion, self-satisfaction, smugness, swelled head, swellheadedness, vaingloriousness, vainglory, vainness, complacence

Antonyms

humbleness, humility, modesty

Related Words

assurance, confidence, self-assurance, self-confidence; self-righteousness; arrogance, disdainfulness, haughtiness, imperiousness, lordliness, self-assertion, snobbishness, superciliousness, superiority; hubris, overconfidence, presumption; pretense (or pretence), pretension, pretentiousness; egoism, self-centeredness, selfishness; self-pride, self-respect

Near Antonyms

diffidence, self-doubt; self-disgust, self-hate, self-loathing; altruism, unselfishness; bashfulness, demureness, shyness, timidity, timidness; passiveness, passivity

Rhymes with VANITY

sanity

²vanity

adjective

Definition of VANITY

1

: of, relating to, or being a work (as a book or recording) whose production cost is paid by the author or artist

2

: of, relating to, or being a showcase for a usually famous performer or artist who is often also the project's creator or driving force <write, direct, and star in a vanity film>

First Known Use of VANITY

circa 1925