What is vain? Pronunciation and usage in English

vain means . Learn how to pronounce and use vain through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of vain

vainadjective

/veɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of vain

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "vain." It's a tricky one for many English learners!

Here's the breakdown:

  • V: Pronounced like the "v" in "van" – a quick, sharp "v" sound.
  • ain: This is the tricky part. It's a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds). It sounds like "eye-n." Think of the vowel sound in "eye."

Putting it together:

It should sound like "v-eye-n" (with a quick "v" at the beginning).

Here are a few ways to hear it:

  • Google: Just search "how to pronounce vain" on Google and click the audio icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/vain/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce vain" on YouTube.

Common Mispronunciations:

  • Saying "van" instead of "eye": This is the most common mistake.
  • Stretching the "ain" sound: Focus on the quick “eye” sound.

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  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
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Usage and examples with the word vain in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vain." It's a word with a specific meaning and can be tricky to use correctly.

1. Core Meaning:

At its heart, "vain" describes someone who is excessively preoccupied with their own appearance, attractiveness, or success. They are often overly concerned with how others perceive them and will go to great lengths to maintain a favorable image.

2. How to Use It – Different Ways:

  • As an adjective (describing someone): This is the most common usage.

    • Example: "He's a very vain man; he spends hours getting ready every morning." (He’s self-absorbed about his appearance.)
    • Example: "She's a vain actress who constantly seeks compliments." (She's focused on admiration.)
    • Example: "Don’t be so vain! Just smile and be yourself." (Don't be overly concerned with how you look.)

  • As a noun (referring to the quality): This is less common, but it describes the state of being vain.

    • Example: "His vainness led him to make terrible decisions about his appearance." (His vanity caused him to make bad choices.)

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Self-absorbed
  • Conceited
  • Proud
  • Egoistic
  • Arrogant
  • Preening
  • Narcissistic (This is a stronger, more clinical term)

4. Nuances and Considerations:

  • Not just about looks: While "vain" often relates to appearance, it can also refer to an excessive concern with praise, recognition, or success – things that create a desired image. Someone might be vain about their work, their achievements, or even their social status.

  • Negative Connotation: “Vain” is generally a negative word. It implies a lack of humility and an unhealthy preoccupation with oneself.

  • "Vainly" as a verb: You can also use "vainly" as an adverb to describe attempts that are unproductive or unsuccessful because of vanity.

    • Example: "He tried to impress her, but his efforts were vainly attempted." (His efforts were unsuccessful because he was focused on impressing her.)

5. Examples in Context:

  • "The celebrity’s vainness was evident in her constant Instagram posts."
  • “Don’t let your vainness stop you from helping others.”
  • “He was trying to be charming, but his attempts were just vain.”
  • "She spent a fortune on clothes to maintain her vain image."

Resources to help you understand more:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "vain"? (e.g., write a story, give a speech, understand a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word vain

Idioms of the word vain

in vain
without success
  • They tried in vain to persuade her to go.
  • She waited in vain for her son to return.
  • All our efforts were in vain.
take somebody’s name in vain
(humorous)to show a lack of respect when using somebody’s name or when talking about them
  • Have you been taking my name in vain again?
  • to take the Lord's name in vain

Practice with vocabulary vain

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project team worked tirelessly, but their attempts to secure additional funding proved _________, as the budget had already been finalized.
  2. She spent hours perfecting her appearance before the interview, a clear sign that she was incredibly _________ about her looks.
  3. The CEO's inspiring speech instilled a sense of profound _________ among the employees, motivating them to work harder.
  4. He felt an intense _________ to succeed in the competitive market, driving him to work late into the night.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes someone who has an excessively high opinion of their own appearance or abilities? a) humble b) diligent c) vain d) modest

  2. In which of these situations would an effort most likely be described as "in vain"? a) A scientist conducts a successful experiment that yields significant results. b) A team works diligently on a task that ultimately produces no desired outcome. c) An artist creates a universally acclaimed masterpiece after years of practice. d) A student studies diligently and passes their challenging final exam.

  3. Select all words that can describe a person with an inflated sense of self-importance or excessive pride. a) conceited b) humble c) arrogant d) vain e) altruistic

  4. Which word best describes the action of carefully reviewing financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance? a) speculate b) audit c) generalize d) improvise

  5. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the client remained _________ in their belief that they were unfairly accused. a) flexible b) resolute c) indifferent d) ambivalent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She spent all her time admiring herself in the mirror, clearly indicating her extreme self-admiration. Rewrite the sentence using an adjective form of "vain".

  2. Despite their best efforts, the rescue mission was utterly pointless and achieved nothing. Rewrite the sentence using the phrase "in vain".

  3. The politician's promises were empty and lacked any real substance, failing to convince the public. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "empty" (do not use "vain").

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. vain
  2. vain
  3. pride
  4. desire

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) vain
  2. b) A team works diligently on a task that ultimately produces no desired outcome.
  3. a) conceited, c) arrogant, d) vain
  4. b) audit
  5. b) resolute

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She was incredibly vain, spending all her time admiring herself in the mirror.
  2. Despite their best efforts, the rescue mission was in vain and achieved nothing.
  3. The politician's promises were hollow and lacked any real substance, failing to convince the public.

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