vanity
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for vanity, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Excessive pride in one's own looks, abilities, or achievements.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use vanity
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French vanité, from Latin vanitas — built on vanus, "empty" or "vain." The bathroom-furniture sense is a much later, purely English development, from the dressing tables once used for personal grooming.
Full origin of vanity →Frequently asked questions
What does “vanity” mean?
The word “vanity” means excessive pride in one's own looks, abilities, or achievements. In plain terms, vanity mainly means excessive self-admiration, but it's also the everyday word for a sink-and-mirror bathroom unit.
How do you pronounce “vanity”?
“Vanity” is pronounced VA-nih-tee (/ˈvænəti/ in IPA).
How do you use “vanity” in a sentence?
Here is “vanity” used in a sentence: “His vanity made it hard for him to accept any criticism.”
What is another word for “vanity”?
Words with a similar meaning to “vanity” include arrogance.
What part of speech is “vanity”?
“Vanity” is a noun.
Where does the word “vanity” come from?
The word “vanity” comes from Latin. From Old French vanité, from Latin vanitas — built on vanus, "empty" or "vain." The bathroom-furniture sense is a much later, purely English development, from the dressing tables once used for personal grooming.
Is “vanity” a common word?
“Vanity” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “vanity” have?
“Vanity” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: excessive pride in one's own looks, abilities, or achievements.
What is the difference between "vanity" and "arrogance"?
"Vanity" specifically refers to excessive pride in one's own looks, abilities, or achievements, often tied to appearance, while "arrogance" more broadly describes an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or superiority, not necessarily linked to looks.
What does "vanity" mean in the phrase "vanity of vanities"?
In this sense, "vanity" refers to something that has no real value or lasting importance, essentially emptiness, rather than personal pride. This meaning is common in reflective or philosophical writing about the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits.
What is a bathroom "vanity"?
A bathroom "vanity" is a cabinet built around a sink, or a small table with a mirror used for grooming, a meaning distinct from the personality trait of excessive pride.