vanity

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   That which is vain, futile, or worthless; that which is of no value, use or profit.

   Then I said in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me and why then was I more wise? Then I said in my heart that this is also vanity. / For there is no more remembrance of the wise than the fool forever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

2. 2
   noun

   Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own abilities, appearance, achievements, or possessions.

   To make a man in love with you gives an instant hold on his vanity; and with that, you can do any thing. Vanity is the real lever with which Archimedes said he could move the earth; so, try what you can effect with Sir Robert.

3. 3
   noun

   A dressing table used to apply makeup, preen, and coif hair, in which the table is normally quite low and similar to a desk.

   She was sitting in front of her vanity, brushing out her hair.

4. 4
   noun

   Any idea, theory or statement that is without foundation.

   It is a vanity to say that if two stones are dropped from a tower, the heavier will experience the greater acceleration.

5. 5
   name

   A female given name.

   But alumni and choir volunteer Vanity Brown says when they returned, Ms. Stevenson was told she wouldn't be allowed in the classroom for at least 120 days.

6. 6
   noun

   low table with mirror or mirrors where one sits while dressing or applying makeup

7. 7
   noun

   the trait of being unduly vain and conceited

8. 8
   noun

   the quality of being valueless or futile

Etymology

From va(i)n + -ity, from Middle English vanite, from Old French vanité, from Latin vānitas, from vānus, whence English vain. Doublet of vanitas.