'Vainest' definitions:

Definition of 'Vainest'

From: GCIDE
  • Vain \Vain\ (v[=a]n), a. [Compar. Vainer; superl. Vainest.] [F. vain, L. vanus empty, void, vain. Cf. Vanish, Vanity, Vaunt to boast.]
  • 1. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying. "Thy vain excuse." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Every man walketh in a vain show. --Ps. xxxix. 6. [1913 Webster]
  • Let no man deceive you with vain words. --Eph. v. 6. [1913 Webster]
  • Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye! --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Destitute of force or efficacy; effecting no purpose; fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt. [1913 Webster]
  • Bring no more vain oblations. --Isa. i. 13. [1913 Webster]
  • Vain is the force of man To crush the pillars which the pile sustain. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason; conceited; puffed up; inflated. [1913 Webster]
  • But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren? --James ii. 20 (Rev. Ver.). [1913 Webster]
  • The minstrels played on every side, Vain of their art. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Showy; ostentatious. [1913 Webster]
  • Load some vain church with old theatric state. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Empty; worthless; fruitless; ineffectual; idle; unreal; shadowy; showy; ostentatious; light; inconstant; deceitful; delusive; unimportant; trifling. [1913 Webster]