First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1vanity
noun van·i·ty \ˈva-nə-tē\
: the quality of people who have too much pride in their own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc. : the quality of being vain
: something (such as a belief or a way of behaving) which shows that you have too much pride in yourself, your social status, etc.
: a bathroom cabinet that is covered by a sink and a countertop
plural van·i·ties
Full 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
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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
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
Rhymes with VANITY
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
VANITIES Defined for Kids
vanity
noun van·i·ty \ˈva-nə-tē\
plural van·i·ties
Definition of VANITY for Kids
1
: the quality or fact of being vain
2
: something that is vain
3
: a small box for cosmetics
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