vain conceit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vain conceit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive pride in oneself or one's abilities, often without justification. Example: "His vain conceit made it difficult for him to accept constructive criticism from his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

While she'd have been reluctant to form the vain conceit outright, it was perhaps tempting to regard the sheer insertion of her physical presence as a gift, one akin to showing up at the door with roses.

The New Yorker

Born in Norfolk, living in Norfolk, often writing about Norfolk, Taylor has waged a one-man campaign against smug, shiny literary metropolitanism since his first non-fiction book A Vain Conceit: British Fiction in the 1980s 19899).

The Guardian - Books

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Huffington Post

Philippians 2 3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

To take your characterization a bit further, we may as well decry ear surgeries as indulging the vain conceits of people with hearing aids.

The New York Times

That wild outdoor pool in the heart of King's Cross or the garden bridge across the Thames, however flawed and vain the conceit.

The Guardian - Opinion

So while the President is vain about certain things, these conceits come out in a carefully understated manner.

The New York Times - Magazine

In vain.

The Economist

How vain.

Independent

Too vain.

The New Yorker

Vain hope!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vain conceit" when you want to specifically highlight a sense of pride that is both unfounded and somewhat foolish. It carries a slightly more formal and critical tone than simply saying someone is 'proud'.

Common error

Avoid using "vain conceit" when you simply mean someone is proud of an achievement. The phrase implies that the pride is unjustified or disproportionate to the accomplishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vain conceit" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing a state of excessive and often unjustified pride. It contributes a critical or negative connotation to the subject it modifies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vain conceit" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes an excessive and unwarranted sense of pride. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is more common in formal writing, particularly within news and media contexts. While not a frequently used expression, understanding its specific nuance – highlighting foolish or unjustified pride – allows for more precise and impactful writing. When a writer aims to convey a critical tone regarding someone's exaggerated self-importance, "vain conceit" can be a valuable tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty conceit

Emphasizes the lack of substance behind the pride.

false conceit

Highlights the untruthful or unfounded nature of the pride.

arrogant assumption

Focuses on the presumptuous nature of the belief.

unfounded pride

Stresses the lack of a solid basis for the feeling of superiority.

excessive self-regard

Describes the inflated sense of one's own importance.

smug self-satisfaction

Highlights the complacent and irritating nature of the pride.

inflated ego

A more informal way of expressing excessive pride.

overweening pride

Emphasizes the arrogance and presumption associated with the pride.

grandiose self-image

Focuses on the exaggerated and unrealistic view of oneself.

delusional self-importance

Implies a disconnect from reality in the inflated sense of self.

FAQs

What does "vain conceit" mean?

"Vain conceit" refers to excessive pride in oneself, one's abilities, or one's accomplishments. It suggests that this pride is often unwarranted or unjustified and can be seen as arrogant or foolish.

How can I use "vain conceit" in a sentence?

You can use "vain conceit" to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities. For example, "His "empty conceit" made him blind to his own flaws."

What are some synonyms for "vain conceit"?

Synonyms for "vain conceit" include "arrogance", "hubris", "self-importance", and "presumption". Each of these words conveys a similar sense of excessive pride or self-regard.

Is "vain conceit" a common phrase?

The phrase "vain conceit" is not as common as other expressions of pride or arrogance, like "arrogance" or "vanity". It is mostly used in formal writing or literature to emphasize a particular kind of unfounded or foolish pride.