vanity

• Nom avec plusieurs sens : peut désigner un orgueil excessif de son apparence ou de ses réalisations, la qualité de ce qui est vain ou sans utilité, ainsi qu'une coiffeuse avec un miroir.

A noun with multiple meanings: it can refer to excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements, the quality of being futile or worthless, or a dressing table with a mirror.

1. Excessive prideB2formal

   An inflated sense of one's own appearance, achievements, or abilities; excessive self-admiration.

   vanité

   • His vanity prevented him from admitting his mistakes.
   • She was driven by vanity to constantly seek compliments.
   • Vanity made him spend hours in front of the mirror.

   Synonymesarroganceconceitegotismhubrisnarcissismprideself-importancevainglory

   Antonymeshumilitymodesty

2. Futility or worthlessnessC1formal

   The quality of being pointless, empty, or without real value or substance.

   vanité (futilité, caractère vain)

   • He reflected on the vanity of all his worldly pursuits.
   • The philosopher spoke of the vanity of human desires.
   • She felt the vanity of trying to change his mind.

   Synonymesemptinessfutilityhollownessinsubstantialitymeaninglessnesspointlessnessuselessnessvaluelessnessworthlessness

   Antonymesmeaningfulnesssignificancesubstancevalueworth

3. Conceit or false prideB2formal

   An excessive or unjustified belief in one's own superiority; arrogant behavior.

   vanité

   • His vanity made him look down on others.
   • Vanity often leads to loneliness and isolation.
   • She was disliked for her unbearable vanity.

   Synonymesarroganceconceitegotismnarcissismprideself-importancevainglory

   Antonymeshumilitymodestyselflessness

4. Dressing tableB1formal

   A piece of furniture with a mirror and a flat surface, used for grooming and applying makeup.

   coiffeuse

   • She sat at her vanity to brush her hair.
   • The antique vanity had a beautiful carved mirror.
   • He bought her a vanity as a birthday gift.

   Synonymesdresserdressing table