vanity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'vanity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'vanity' to refer to excessive pride or admiration one has of oneself. For example: His vanity made him oblivious to other people's feelings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Viggo's lack of physical vanity has become a recurring theme in his work.

The Guardian - Film

Tony McNulty, a Home Office minister, dismissed Davis's campaign as a "complete circus, tinged with vanity with a bit of self-delusion" and hinted that the true motive lay in shadow cabinet divisions which had yet to be unearthed.

The Guardian

It is a far cry from the eye-wateringly expensive museums he has built recently, with their double-curved glass sails hanging as monuments to their patron's vanity.

The Guardian - Arts

The pleas for him to stand down, including by Fifa's head of reform, Domenico Scala, and Blatter's daughter Corinne, are said to have been framed to appeal to the 79-year-old's health and to some extent his vanity: that it was the only way he could still have some legacy recognised.

The Guardian - Sport

"His vanity, though child-like, was monstrous," wrote his biographer, Philip Ziegler, "his ambition unbridled".

The Guardian

Decoded, the central theme of the allegory parallels Saint-Exupéry's own wanderlust, his contempt for the consumer age, his meeting with other "roses", and his recognition that he had made a commitment to take care of the unique flower on asteroid B-612, for all her vanity.

The Guardian - Books

"Sales are for vanity, profits are for sanity," says Andy Clarke, chief executive of Asda.

The Guardian - Business

While seemingly attractive, forward-thinking industrial policies on paper, on closer inspection it is argued that each is as empty and as meaningless as Oasis lyrics – nothing but frothy vanity projects in an age of latte-fuelled capitalism, some might say.

The Guardian

People assume it's a bit of a …" He can't find the words, but "silly vanity project" would probably cover it.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

(Even the boxy, vanity-case luggage is very Louis Vuitton SS15).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jennifer Aniston failed to make the cut, in the end, for her anti-vanity project as a chronic pain sufferer in Cake.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about character flaws, use "vanity" to illustrate a character's excessive concern with their appearance or achievements, creating a nuanced portrayal of their personality.

Common error

Avoid using "vanity" when describing appropriate self-confidence or pride in genuine accomplishments. "Vanity" implies an excessive and often unfounded admiration of oneself.

Linguistic Context

The noun "vanity" primarily functions as an abstract noun, denoting a quality or state of being. It can also refer to a piece of furniture, but the dominant usage signifies excessive pride. Ludwig examples confirm this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "vanity" is a noun that denotes excessive pride or admiration of oneself. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in writing and speech. While "vanity" can also refer to a piece of furniture, it's most often employed to describe a character flaw or the emptiness of certain pursuits. Related terms include "excessive pride", "narcissism", and "conceit". When employing the term, be mindful not to confuse it with healthy self-esteem. It typically carries a negative connotation and is used in neutral to slightly formal contexts, particularly in news, literature, and lifestyle content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Self-admiration

Directly describes the act of admiring oneself, a key element of "vanity".

Empty pride

Directly describes the hollowness and lack of substance associated with "vanity".

Excessive pride

Focuses on the 'excessive' aspect of pride, which is a core component of "vanity".

Self-importance

Highlights the inflated sense of one's own significance, similar to "vanity".

Conceit

Highlights an inflated sense of self-importance, similar to "vanity".

Egotism

Emphasizes self-centeredness and a focus on one's own importance, related to "vanity".

Narcissism

Implies a pathological self-obsession, a more extreme form of "vanity".

Arrogance

Suggests an overbearing sense of superiority, often fueled by "vanity".

Superficiality

Highlights the concern with outward appearances and trivial matters associated with "vanity".

Worthlessness

Captures the 'emptiness' aspect of vanity, where pursuits are ultimately without value.

FAQs

How can I use "vanity" in a sentence?

You can use "vanity" to describe excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements. For example, "His "vanity" prevented him from seeing his flaws."

What are some synonyms for "vanity"?

Synonyms for "vanity" include "conceit", "narcissism", "egotism", and "arrogance". Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "vanity" always negative?

Yes, "vanity" generally carries a negative connotation, implying an excessive and often unwarranted pride in oneself or one's accomplishments.

What is the difference between "vanity" and pride?

"Pride" can be a positive feeling of satisfaction in one's achievements, while "vanity" is an excessive and often unfounded belief in one's own abilities or attractiveness.