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Synonyms for vainly

Grammar : Adv
Spell : veyn
Phonetic Transcription : veɪn


Définition of vainly

Origin :
  • c.1300, "devoid of real value, idle, unprofitable," from Old French vein "worthless," from Latin vanus "idle, empty," from PIE *wa-no-, from root *eue- "to leave, abandon, give out" (cf. Old English wanian "to lessen," wan "deficient;" Old Norse vanta "to lack;" Latin vacare "to be empty," vastus "empty, waste;" Avestan va- "lack," Persian vang "empty, poor;" Sanskrit una- "deficient"). Meaning "conceited" first recorded 1690s, from earlier sense of "silly, idle, foolish" (late 14c.). Phrase in vain "to no effect" (c.1300, after Latin in vanum) preserves the original sense. Related: Vainly.
  • adv in vain
Example sentences :
  • "But I'm not miserable, my dear Viviette," said poor Dick, vainly forcing a smile.
  • Extract from : « Viviette » by William J. Locke
  • Perhaps here she found the repose hitherto so vainly sought.
  • Extract from : « Biographical Sketches » by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • "My place is by the flag," cried Alleyne, vainly struggling to break from the other's hold.
  • Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • He was vainly entreated not to expose himself to the infection.
  • Extract from : « Cameos from English History, from Rollo to Edward II » by Charlotte Mary Yonge
  • The chair was placed, and Miss Lucindy essayed to climb, but vainly.
  • Extract from : « Meadow Grass » by Alice Brown
  • The doctors had vainly tried every remedy, iodine, blistering, and cauterising.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • Pierre vainly sought a falsehood, and all his composure fled.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • But slumber would not come; for hours and hours he vainly sought it.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • But Isy too must share in the disappointment of that vainly shining Sunday morning!
  • Extract from : « Salted With Fire » by George MacDonald
  • Felicite, who remained in the drawing-room, vainly tried to catch what they were saying.
  • Extract from : « The Fortune of the Rougons » by Emile Zola

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