vainly

English

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English vaynly, veynly, vaynely, veynely, equivalent to vain +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˈveɪnli/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -eɪnli

Adverb

vainly (comparative vainlier or more vainly, superlative vainliest or most vainly)

  1. In a vain pursuit; to no avail.
    She searched vainly for her reflection in the shattered mirror.
  2. With a vain attitude; in a self-approving manner.
    She stared vainly at her reflection in the mirror.

Synonyms

Translations

Anagrams

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