vainglory

[ veyn-glawr-ee, -glohr-ee, veyn-glawr-ee, -glohr-ee ]

noun

1. excessive elation or pride over one's own achievements, abilities, etc.; boastful vanity.

   Antonyms: humility

2. empty pomp or show.

   Synonyms: ostentation

vainglory

/ ˌveɪnˈɡlɔːrɪ /

noun

1. boastfulness or vanity
2. ostentation

Word History and Origins

Origin of vainglory¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English vainglorie, vein glorie, from Old French vaine gloiri, from translation of Latin vāna glōria “empty glory”; ( vain, glory )

Synonym Study

See pride.

Example Sentences

Suspicion and vainglory, as Ronald Grigor Suny shows, were present from the start in Stalin’s approach to politics.

From Washington Post

It seems like teenage vainglory: I can hear the Megadeth tape blasting in his yellow 1979 Le Mans from a block away.

From The Daily Beast

Vainglory is not nearly so bad in a private person or even in an official as it is in a minister.

From Project Gutenberg

To desire vainglory is to desire lies, because when one person praises another he tells lies.

From Project Gutenberg

France, by vainglory and the old literary pretensions of Anjou, had also a balancing claim upon Italy.

From Project Gutenberg

A contemptuous designation, expressive of the combination of folly and vainglory.

From Project Gutenberg

I wish you well, for a pride founded on self-respect is pleasing in mine eyes; but take heed lest pride degenerate into vainglory.

From Project Gutenberg