vainly en · ADV
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
- /ˈveɪnli/ (General-American)
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English vaynly, veynly, vaynely, veynely, equivalent to vain + -ly.
Meanings
-
In a vain pursuit; to no avail.
She searched vainly for her reflection in the shattered mirror.
-
With a vain attitude; in a self-approving manner.
She stared vainly at her reflection in the mirror.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| vainliest | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| most vainly | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| vainlier | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic | |
| more vainly | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic |
Synonyms
Translations (16)
tr beyhude (in vain) · pl bezskutecznie (in vain) · tr boşuna (in vain) · cu ашоуть (in vain) · pl na próżno (in vain) · hu hiába (in vain) · ca vanament (in vain) · ru зря (in vain) · eo vane (in vain) · ru тщетно (in vain) · pl na darmo (in vain) · ru напрасно (in vain) · tr boş yere (in vain) · pl daremnie (in vain) · pdt vejäfs (in vain) · es vanamente (in vain)