World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesIn vain
/ɪn veɪn/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Without success or a result; futile.
"She tried in vain to convince him to stay." - 2
For no purpose; without achieving anything.
"He searched in vain for his lost keys."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The phrase 'in vain' originates from the Latin 'vanus', meaning 'empty' or 'worthless'. It evolved through Old French before entering English in the late Middle Ages, reflecting a sense of futility or lack of success in efforts.
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10 Global Lexicons: How "In vain" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
en vain
Transliteration: ɑ̃ vɛ̃
"Elle a essayé en vain de le convaincre."
umsonst
Transliteration: ʊmˈzɔnst
"Sie hat umsonst versucht, ihn zu überzeugen."
invano
Transliteration: inˈvano
"Ha provato invano a convincerlo."
en vano
Transliteration: en ˈbano
"Intentó en vano convencerlo."
em vão
Transliteration: ẽ ˈvɐ̃w
"Ele tentou em vão convencê-lo."
व्यर्थ
Transliteration: vyarth
"उसने व्यर्थ कोशिश की।"
徒劳
Transliteration: túláo
"他徒劳地尝试说服她。"
헛되이
Transliteration: heotdeui
"그는 헛되이 설득하려고 했다."
無駄に
Transliteration: mudani
"彼は無駄に説得しようとした。"
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