What does "vainglory" mean?
Excessive vanity.
Vainglory
/[ˈveɪnˌɡlɔɚ.i]/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Excessive vanity.
- Grammar: vainglory is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: aim, amour-propre, arrogance, autoeroticism.
- Useful contrasts: humility, meekness, modesty.
- Usage evidence: His vainglory put the Republic at risk.
How to use "vainglory"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "vainglory" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "vainglory" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "vainglory" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "vainglory" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Excessive vanity. countable, uncountable
- 2 outspoken conceit wordnet
- 3 Boastful, unwarranted pride in one's accomplishments or qualities. countable, uncountable
"Then he reasoned, as he had in the days past, that the course of human history had shown national pride—the inflexible kind—to be mankind’s worst enemy, and ordinary people paid the price in suffering. Nations had gone down because of vainglory, when moderation might have civilized and saved them."
- 4 Vain, ostentatious display. countable, uncountable
"The pew would soon want new flooring, Mr. Dangerfield thought, and the Castlemallard arms and supporters, a rather dingy piece of vainglory, overhanging the main seat on the wall, would be nothing the worse of a little fresh gilding and paint."
- 5 A regarding of oneself with undue favor. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To boast; to act in a vain manner. intransitive
Antonyms
Example
"His vainglory put the Republic at risk."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "vainglory"?
Common synonyms include: aim, amour-propre, arrogance, autoeroticism, boastfulness, boastfulness.
How do you use "vainglory" in a sentence?
His vainglory put the Republic at risk.
How do you pronounce "vainglory"?
Pronounced /[ˈveɪnˌɡlɔɚ.i]/.
Etymology
From Middle English waynglori (“worthless glory”), from Old French vaine glorie, from Medieval Latin vāna glōria, from Latin vāna (“empty, groundless, boastful”) + glōria (“fame, ambition, boasting”), apparently modelled after similar terms in Germanic languages. Compare Old English īdel wuldor (“vain glory”) and īdelġielp (“vainglory”).