vanity

1 of 2

noun

van·​i·​ty ˈva-nə-tē How to pronounce vanity (audio)
plural vanities
1
: inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance : conceit
2
: something that is vain, empty, or valueless
3
b
: a bathroom cabinet containing a sink and usually having a countertop
4
: the quality or fact of being vain
5
: a fashionable trifle or knickknack
6
b
: a small case or handbag for toilet articles used by women

vanity

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or being a work (such 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

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Vanity vs. Pride

People often turn to the dictionary in search of the minute and subtle differences between two similar words. The closely related duo of vanity and pride, which overlap significantly in some respects yet differ in others, offer one such example. Putting aside such uses as pride referring to “a company of lions” and vanity meaning “a dressing table,” each of these words may refer to a state of excessive self-esteem. However, pride may also signify a feeling of satisfaction or happiness (either in oneself or on behalf of others) based on something that is well done; vanity is unlikely to be used in this manner. For a well-worded explanation of this distinction, we might look to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, in which the character Mary opines: “Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

Examples of vanity in a Sentence

Noun The handsome actor's vanity was well-known. She described her accomplishments without exaggeration or vanity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The gray walls and white ceiling have classic wainscotting, while gleaming white stone adorns the desk, vanity and dresser. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 Leave one on your vanity, and tote the smaller bottle on weekend getaways. Annie Blackman, Allure, 16 Sep. 2024
Adjective
That Earl got to run another record label, even a semi-vanity label like Rolling Stones Records, is a miracle. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2022 See all Example Sentences for vanity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vanity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English vanite, borrowed from Anglo-French vanité, borrowed from Latin vānitāt-, vānitās "emptiness, lack of judgment, foolish pride," from vānus "empty, lacking content" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at wane entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

circa 1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vanity was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near vanity

Cite this Entry

“Vanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vanity. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

vanity

noun
van·​i·​ty
ˈvan-ət-ē
plural vanities
1
: something that is vain
2
: the quality or fact of being vain
3

More from Merriam-Webster on vanity

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