The AI-powered English dictionary
countable and uncountable, plural vanities
That which is vain, futile, or worthless; that which is of no value, use or profit. quotations examples
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.
1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], Ecclesiastes 2:15–16
Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own abilities, appearance, achievements, or possessions. quotations examples
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.
1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “A Project”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], page 224
A dressing table used to apply makeup, preen, and coif hair. The table is normally quite low and similar to a desk, with drawers and one or more mirrors on top. Either a chair or bench is used to sit upon. quotations examples
She was sitting in front of her vanity, brushing out her hair.
2020, Brit Bennett, The Vanishing Half, Dialogue Books, page 148
A washbasin installed into a permanently fixed storage unit, used as an item of bathroom furniture. examples
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(obsolete) Any idea, theory or statement that is without foundation. quotations
To help the matter, the alchemists call in likewise many vanities out of astrology.
1631, Francis [Bacon], “(please specify |century=I to X)”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], 3rd edition, London: […] William Rawley; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […]