French Conversation · Level 77
60 words
French word
vain
Pronunciation
IPA/vɛ̃/
Meaning
- adjectivefutile
Example
Cette tentative était vaine.
This attempt was futile.
More examples
Son effort est vain.
His effort is futile.
Core concept
An effort spends time or resources but reaches no result.
Common phrases
une tentative vaine
a futile attempt
un effort vain
a futile effort
Similar words
inutile: Serving no useful purpose.
futile: Having no meaningful purpose or result.
inefficace: Not achieving the intended effect.
Definition in French
Qui est inutile ou sans effet; souvent employé pour qualifier une tentative, un effort ou une dépense qui n'aboutit pas.
Word origin
French vain comes from Latin vanus, meaning empty, through Old French, and retains the sense of something ineffective or futile.
Usage tips
- French vain usually means futile or ineffective, unlike English vain, which commonly means overly proud; context is essential.