English word vain comes from Proto-Indo-European *h₁weh₂-, Proto-Indo-European *awa(n)-
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *h₁weh₂- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | |
| *awa(n)- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | |
| *h₁weh₂-sno- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | |
| *wānos | Proto-Italic (itc-pro) | |
| vanus | Latin (lat) | (figuratively) groundless, baseless, meaningless. Deceptive, untrustworthy. Ostentatious, boastful. Unsubstantial. Vain, empty, vacant, void. |
| vano | Italian (it) | Quaint. Vain, useless, idle Room. Space, opening, compartment, bay. |
| vain | Old French (fro) | |
| vain | English (en) | Effecting no purpose; pointless, futile.. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.. Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.. Showy; ostentatious. |