vainly

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English vaynly, veynly, vaynely, veynely, equivalent to vain + -ly.

adv

  1. In a vain pursuit; to no avail.
    She searched vainly for her reflection in the shattered mirror.
  2. With a vain attitude; in a self-approving manner.
    She stared vainly at her reflection in the mirror.

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