vainly

[ veyn-lee ]

/ ˈveɪn li /

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See synonyms for vainly on Thesaurus.com

adverb

in a way that shows or proceeds from excessive pride or concern over one’s appearance, favorable qualities, impression on others, etc.: Every time he leaves the room, he pauses to vainly admire his reflection in the mirror.I just got a box of business cards with my new degree “Ph.D.” on them—something I vainly insisted upon.

in an unsuccessful or futile way; in vain: She tried vainly to catch a glimpse of the canoe, which seemed to have dissolved suddenly into the mist.

in a way that is without real meaning, importance, or value: We talk a lot about things we like or dislike, but sad to say, we often talk vainly and to no purpose.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of vainly

vain + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM vainly

un·vain·ly, adverb

Words nearby vainly

vail, vain, Väinämöinen, vainglorious, vainglory, vainly, vair, Vaisheshika, Vaishnava, Vaisya, vaivode

How to use vainly in a sentence

It also compelled her to try, in vain, to persuade her friends and family to do the same.
Your first lab-grown burger is coming soon—and it’ll be “blended”|Katie McLean|December 18, 2020|MIT Technology Review
All the further efforts of finding influencers and experts could be in vain if the topic you choose does not fit the roundup format, or doesn’t spark interest in your readers’ minds.
Simple guide to creating an expert roundup post that drives website traffic|Ivan Ambrocio|November 26, 2020|Search Engine Watch
Elated by the crowd, the vain buffoonAbsorbing every drop they send his way,Digests them like a tangerine spittoon,Extending lockdown day by endless day.
Style Invitational Week 1410: Legends of the fall|Pat Myers|November 12, 2020|Washington Post
Abby Leafe, a registered Democrat who lives in suburban Philadelphia’s Bucks County, checked her mailbox Tuesday in vain for her ballot.
Millions of mailed ballots not yet returned in key states|Rachel Schallom|October 28, 2020|Fortune

Moderator Chris Wallace — as a parent of preschoolers, I could empathize with his predicament — tried in vain to stop all the interrupting and steer the debate on his prescribed course.
Debate Dust-Up: Are You Exasperated?|Daniel Malloy|September 30, 2020|Ozy
Truth be told, the hope of destroying the rubes by ignoring them vainly ignores the most inescapable fact of our lives.
From Smarm To Snark, We’re All Soldiers In The War On Obscurity|James Poulos|December 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
They portrayed the Secretary as a kind of well-meaning but naïve Don Quixote flailing vainly against windmills.
Why Cautious Optimism is the Right Approach to Kerry's Efforts|Alan Elsner|July 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The old bulls sensed the cnunbling of their position and vainly tried to placate the reformers.
Memo: The Aaron Sorkin Model of Political Discourse Doesn't Actually Work|Megan McArdle|April 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
As Hudson vainly tried to save Lopez, the Honda roared away on just the wheel rims.
Cop Who Protected Obama, Romney, at Debate Latest Victim of Illegal Guns|Michael Daly|October 25, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Can we justify manicures and tasteful highlights when others are vainly looking for work?
But Can We Still Have Fun?|Kathleen Parker|January 19, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Alone Orlean lay trying vainly to forget something—something that stood like a spectre before her eyes.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux
Colonel Case of the 32d, trying vainly with his men to stop the native runaways, was shot dead.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
Vainly now did the Marquise seek to alter the captain's resolution; but in this she received a sudden check from Marius himself.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
Wildly and vainly did he strive even then to cover up the foolish thing that he had done.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
I round the threshold wandering here,Vainly the tempest and the rain invoke,That they may keep my lady prisoner.
The Poems of Giacomo Leopardi|Giacomo Leopardi