Latin

-itas

a quality or state

Forms

-itas
-itat- — Latin stem used outside the basic noun form.
-ity — English form developed through French.

Origin

Latin -tas, a suffix for abstract nouns, with a preceding i; the suffix continues an older Indo-European abstract-noun formation.

Note

Turns a description into something that can be discussed as a quality in its own right.

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noun

vanity

A piece of furniture used for personal grooming.

She sits at her vanity to brush her hair each morning.

Etymology

vanityLatinemptiness or conceit

Vanity developed the idea of concern with one's appearance. The furniture-name shortens vanity table, a place for grooming and arranging that appearance.

More examples

The bathroom vanity has two sinks and drawers for towels.
He places a small mirror on the bedroom vanity.
The store displays vanities in several sizes and finishes.

Forms

vanity · vanities

Similar words

dressing table: Usually a bedroom table with a mirror, not a sink.
washstand: Traditionally holds a basin and pitcher for washing rather than grooming.