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“Vain” vs. “Vane”: What’s the Difference?

Jun 9, 2023
Engram
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The difference between “vain” and “vane”

  • "Vain" is an adjective used to describe a person's character, highlighting their excessive pride or self-centeredness, while "vane" is a noun referring to a device or instrument used to determine wind direction.
  • "Vain" relates to human behavior and attitudes, whereas "vane" pertains to an object or tool used for a specific purpose.
  • While "vain" is associated with negative traits and vanity, "vane" is a functional object that serves a practical function, such as indicating wind direction for meteorological purposes.
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What is the definition of “vain” and “vane”?

Vain
  • Not producing the desired outcome; futile or useless.
  • Excessively proud or concerned about one's appearance or achievements.
  • Having an overly high opinion of oneself.
Vane
  • A thin, flat or curved part of a surface that is turned by wind or water to change its direction.
  • A metal plate or blade fixed to a spindle in a window or roof to regulate ventilation.
  • A device for indicating wind direction, typically used as a decorative element on a structure.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Vain” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Vain
168,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. She spent hours primping and checking herself in the mirror, but it was all in vain - she still didn't feel confident.
  2. His vanity led him to believe that everyone was admiring him, when in reality, nobody was paying attention.
  3. It's not worth being so vain about your looks - there are more important things to focus on in life.
Vane
28,900,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The weathervane on top of the barn accurately showed which direction the wind was blowing.
  2. The airplane pilot adjusted the plane's vane to steer it towards the landing strip.
  3. A gust of wind knocked over the vane on the rooftop, causing some damage.
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