资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Vain \Vain\, a. [Compar. {Vainer}; superl. {Vainest}.] [F. vain,
   L. vanus empty, void, vain. Cf. {Vanish}, {Vanity}, {Vaunt}
   to boast.]
   1. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty;
      void; worthless; unsatisfying. ``Thy vain excuse.''
      --Shak.

            Every man walketh in a vain show.     --Ps. xxxix.
                                                  6.

            Let no man deceive you with vain words. --Eph. v. 6.

            Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye!
                                                  --Shak.

            Vain visdom all, and false philosophy. --Milton.

   2. Destitute of forge or efficacy; effecting no purpose;
      fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt.

            Bring no more vain oblations.         --Isa. i. 13.

            Vain is the force of man To crush the pillars which
            the pile sustain.                     --Dryden.

   3. Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; having
      a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight
      reason; conceited; puffed up; inflated.

            But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart
            from works is barren?                 --James ii. 20
                                                  (Rev. Ver.).

            The minstrels played on every side, Vain of their
            art.                                  --Dryden.

   4. Showy; ostentatious.

            Load some vain church with old theatric state.
                                                  --Pope.

   Syn: Empty; worthless; fruitless; ineffectual; idle; unreal;
        shadowy; showy; ostentatious; light; inconstant;
        deceitful; delusive; unimportant; trifling.