I. ˈvanəd.ē, -ətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English vanite, from Old French vanité, from Latin vanitat-, vanitas quality of being empty or vain, from vanus empty, idle, vain + -itat-, -itas -ity — more at wane
1.
a. : something that is empty, vain, or valueless : something idle, objectless, or unprofitable
the powerlessness of man before the blind hurry of the universe from vanity to vanity — Bertrand Russell
he had ceased then to be an egotism, a vanity — H.G.Wells
the pomps and vanities of the great world — C.E.Montague
b. obsolete : trivial or unprofitable activity : blind frittering away of time
c. : the quality of being vain or empty : hollowness , worthlessness
knew the vanity of her own attainments — G.B.Shaw
2.
a. : exaggerated self-love : inflated pride in oneself or in one's appearance, attainments, performance, possessions, or successes : hunger for praise or admiration : conceit , vainglory
love of the good opinion of others (which we may call vanity ) is a desire which man shares with many animals — Bertrand Russell
the epitome of maleness with all its vanity and self-importance — Carl Van Vechten
his wounded vanity turned and turned upon itself — J.C.Powys
b. : an instance or example of such vanity : something of which one is proud or which exhibits his self-love
one of his hidden vanities was to be the first man on the subscription paper with the largest donation — W.A.White
3. : the ostentation of fashion, wealth, or power regarded as an occasion of empty pride or a vain show
takes for granted … all the privileges and appurtenances of wealth, and there emerges the 16-year-old boy caught up in vanities — Gene Baro
4. : a fashionable trifle or knicknack : gaud
such vanities as gloves, a wristwatch, a silver cigarette case — John Morrison
5.
a. : compact III 2
b. : a small case or handbag for toilet articles used by women
room beneath your chair for small luggage like a briefcase or vanity — Welcome Aboard
6. : dressing table
7. : sandust
Synonyms: see pride
II. adjective
Etymology: vanity , noun
1. : of, relating to, or being a work (as a book or recording) whose production cost is paid by the author or artist — compare vanity press
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