Basic Details
Word: Vanity
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements.
Synonyms: Pride, conceit, arrogance
Antonyms: Humility, modesty, selflessness
Idioms and Phrases
- Vanity Fair: A place or situation where vanity is particularly strong or prevalent. Example: "The television industry can feel like a Vanity Fair, where appearance matters most."
- In vain: Attempting something that will not succeed or yield any results. Example: "She tried in vain to convince him that her idea was the best, but he wasn’t interested."
Usage Examples
Example 1: His vanity made it difficult for him to accept constructive criticism from his friends.
Example 2: The actress was known for her beauty, but her vanity often overshadowed her talents.
Example 3: Instead of focusing on his work, he spent hours in front of the mirror, lost in vanity.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "vanity" comes from the Latin word "vanitas," which means "emptiness"? This reflects the idea that excessive pride can lead to a lack of substance or depth in a person.
Famous Quote
"Vanity is the quicksand of reason." George Sand
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "vanity" mean?
a) Excessive pride in oneself
b) A type of flower
c) A musical instrument
d) A form of exercise
Answer: a) Excessive pride in oneself
2. Which of these is a synonym of "vanity"?
a) Humility
b) Wittiness
c) Arrogance
d) Kindness
Answer: c) Arrogance
3. Which sentence uses "vanity" correctly?
a) Her vanity made her win the race.
b) His vanity prevented him from seeing his true friends.
c) The book was filled with vanity.
d) They enjoyed their vanity in the park.
Answer: b) His vanity prevented him from seeing his true friends.
4. Which idiom means trying without success?
a) Vanity Fair
b) In vain
c) At first glance
d) Once in a blue moon
Answer: b) In vain
5. What is the opposite of "vanity"?
a) Pride
b) Humility
c) Arrogance
d) Confidence
Answer: b) Humility
