The dictionary that comes closest to that definition is Cambridge, with ”too interested in your own appearance or achievements”.
With which meaning do you personally use the word ”vain” (and ”vanity”)?
Are the dictionaries out of touch with typical use of the word(s)?
Being occupied with one's appearance is quite normal, but how many people are actually proud of their appearance? I often have the feeling that most people would like to look better than they do.
Thanks for your participation.
Seems to me that one definition leads to the other, for example:
BEING "excessively conscious of and occupied with one's appearance" MAY LEAD ONE TO "have or show an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth."
Being occupied with one's appearance is quite normal ... TRUE, BUT BEING "excessively conscious of and occupied with one's appearance" MEANS THE INDIVIDUAL HAS CROSSED OVER INTO THE WORLD OF VANITY.
Hope my comments help.
Good topic Mikkel
Dragana... Your comments are very applicable and quite right.
Sudeep... a vanity bag is a small luggage bag or case for holding cosmetics or toiletries... so Dragana's definition was correct.
This question probably wasn't addressed to a non-native speaker, but I'll try. The way how I understand vanity is followed with self-absorption, self-centeredness and feeling of self importance. It has a negative connotation. Synonym is conceit. Self-love is healthy, but vanity isn't. If it drives too much someone's behavior people might make a conclusion that the person has a shallow character. It's comparable with difference between feeling healthy pride after an important achievement and arrogance that is generally present in someone's behavior. I think that this word is relatively hard to describe because it's not a simple feeling like happiness, fear or anger. Serbian word is "taština/таштина". Unfortunately, I don't speak Danish. :D
I use in vain as a synonym for without success.
Native speakers, please correct me if I am wrong.
Phil,
you shared a great link. There is actually a page on Wikipedia about vanity.
Sudeep,
there is a vanity bag or case. It's used for carrying makeup, but I am not that knowledgeable, nor a fashion expert. I don't know the answer to your question. You are overestimating me. :D
