Etymology Map
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Vain

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means having too high an opinion of oneself; useless

Where does the word "vain" come from? It comes from Latin vanus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
vanus
Latin · ancient
"empty"
the root of 'vanish' and 'vanity'
2
Stage 2 of 3
vain
Old French · medieval
"empty, worthless"
'in vain' means to no purpose
3
Stage 3 of 3
vain
English · 1300s
"futile"
the sense 'conceited' came in the 1600s
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Read the full story

Vain’s story begins in Latin: vanus meant “empty.” The root of 'vanish' and 'vanity'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as vain. 'in vain' means to no purpose. It reached English by 1300s as vain. The sense 'conceited' came in the 1600s. Today, vain means having too high an opinion of oneself; useless.