sake of vanity

USAGE SUMMARY

'sake of vanity' is a phrase commonly used in written English and can be used to describe an action taken to boost one's self-esteem, appear attractive, or demonstrate status.
For example, "He bought the most expensive car on the market just for the sake of vanity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The Jets did not select speedsters purely for the sake of vanity.

The New York Times - Sports

De Piero's real problem is that her flesh wasn't just being exposed for the sake of vanity.

Independent

"You only have to see the videos of skinned animals lying in a heap, still breathing and lifting their heads, to understand that stealing an animal's skin for the sake of vanity is wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In contrast, the cosmetic-surgery procedures shown on the new FX drama "Nip/Tuck," which starts this week and centers on the lives of two Miami plastic surgeons, are desperational — what's highlighted here is the violence done to the human body for the sake of vanity.

The New Yorker

We're also the first to apply the high-end ingredients typically found in women's skincare to children's products — not for the sake of vanity, but because they're truly the best in the world and help protect the most sensitive skin.

Forbes

Eventually, I realized that if I had skin removal surgery, it would have ONLY been for the sake of vanity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Not for the sake of my vanity, but for the sake of people who are depending on you - the reader - to respond to the precariousness of their lives.

Independent

Performing in a three-dimensional proscenium based on their tongue logo, they started with the early work — like their cover of the Beatles "I Wanna Be Your Man" — and proceeded through the hits, tossing in the two new songs for the sake of pride (or vanity).

The New Yorker

Critics grumbled that a good truck business was about to be destroyed for the sake of an ill-conceived vanity project.

The Economist

That the elements are ensouled can be inferred from Isaiah 1.2, where God calls heaven and earth to witness; and Job's exclamation, "the stars are not clean in his sight" is applied by Origen to the sun and moon, who have been made "subject to vanity" for the sake of those who inhabit the physical cosmos (Princ. 1.7.2).

SEP

Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sake of vanity", consider pairing it with contrasting motivations (e.g. practicality, genuine need) to emphasize the frivolousness of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "sake of vanity" when describing actions that genuinely improve well-being or confidence. The phrase carries a negative connotation of superficiality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sake of vanity" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the purpose or motivation behind an action. Ludwig AI examples show its use to critique behaviors driven by superficial desires.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sake of vanity" is a prepositional phrase used to denote that an action is performed primarily to boost one's self-esteem or outward appearance, rather than for practical reasons. As shown by Ludwig, it carries a negative connotation, implying superficiality. While grammatically sound and found in various sources, including news and media, its usage is not exceedingly common. To avoid misinterpretations, it's best employed when critiquing actions that prioritize outward show over genuine need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for appearance's sake

Focuses on the outward impression created.

out of sheer narcissism

Highlights the self-centered motivation.

driven by ego

Emphasizes the role of pride.

for the sake of outward show

Similar to "appearance's sake", but with a more negative connotation.

to feed one's ego

More direct and accusatory tone.

motivated by self-admiration

Highlights the internal feeling driving the action.

for the gratification of pride

Emphasizes the satisfying of personal pride.

due to self-importance

Highlights the feeling of being important.

to inflate self-image

Focuses on boosting one's perception of themselves.

from a place of self-regard

Highlights the underlying self-centeredness.

FAQs

How can I use "sake of vanity" in a sentence?

Use "sake of vanity" to describe actions driven by a desire for admiration or outward appearance rather than genuine need. For example, "He bought the expensive suit purely for the "sake of vanity"".

What are some alternatives to "sake of vanity"?

You can use alternatives like "for appearance's sake", "out of sheer narcissism", or "driven by ego" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "for vanity's sake" or "for the sake of vanity"?

"For the sake of vanity" is more common and natural-sounding in modern English. "For vanity's sake" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "sake of vanity" and "sake of pride"?

"Sake of vanity" emphasizes the desire for external admiration and appearance, while "sake of pride" focuses on internal feelings of self-importance and accomplishment. They can overlap, but the emphasis differs.