vain

vain [-er] adj

OFr < L. vānus, empty, void, idle.

1. Ephemeral; transitory; insubstantial; intangible; untouchable.
2. Conceited; egotistical; self-centered; over-confident.
3. Fruitless; empty; hollow; vacuous; not efficacious.

vain adv

see vain, adj.

1. Phrase. “In vain”: hopelessly; fruitlessly; in futility; not efficaciously; without obvious effect; without immediate results; not having positive resolution.
2. Phrase. “In vain”: thoughtlessly; disrespectfully; without reverence; (see Exodus 20:7).