noun
vanity
VAN-uh-tee/ˈvænəti/
Excessive pride in one's appearance, achievements, or status.
The portraits surrounding the mirror reveal her vanity.
Etymology
The pieces express a state of emptiness. Latin already applied this figuratively to foolish pride, giving vanity its image of inflated self-esteem with little substance behind it.
In context
the desperate measures she took to maintain the illusion of ageless beauty. Because vanity, it turns out, can kill you just as surely as any assassin.
More examples
- She laughed at her own vanity about her hair.
- The award appealed to his vanity.
- Concern for reputation gradually turned into vanity.
Forms
vanity · vanities
vain adjective — excessively proud of oneself
Similar words
- conceit
- Excessive belief in one's abilities or importance.
- pride
- Can be justified and positive rather than excessive.