vainly

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English

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Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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Adverb

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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

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Translations

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Anagrams

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