vainly
English edit
Etymology edit
Inherited from Middle English vaynly, veynly, vaynely, veynely, equivalent to vain + -ly.
Pronunciation edit
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈveɪnli/
Audio (US) (file) - Rhymes: -eɪnli
Adverb edit
vainly (comparative vainlier or more vainly, superlative vainliest or most vainly)
- In a vain pursuit; to no avail.
- She searched vainly for her reflection in the shattered mirror.
- With a vain attitude; in a self-approving manner.
- She stared vainly at her reflection in the mirror.
Synonyms edit
Translations edit
in vain