Meanings
-
1
adv
In a vain pursuit; to no avail.
She searched vainly for her reflection in the shattered mirror.
-
2
adv
With a vain attitude; in a self-approving manner.
She stared vainly at her reflection in the mirror.
-
3
adv
to no avail
Thesaurus
Synonyms
3
adv
· to no avail
in vain
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English vaynly, veynly, vaynely, veynely, equivalent to vain + -ly.