vain/ven; veIn/adj 1 disapproving too proud of yourself, especially of your appearance [→ vanity]【贬】自负的﹐自视过高的: Men can be so vain. 男人有时候非常自负。see box at见 PROUD 方框2 in vain without success 徒劳地: Doctors tried in vain to save his life. 医生试图挽救他的生命﹐但是回天乏术。3 vain attempt/hope etc a vain hope or attempt is not successful 徒劳的尝试/徒然的希望等 —vainly adv