Vainglorious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คจ
vainglorious
[veษชnหษกlษหriษs ]
Definition
used to describe a person
Excessively proud of oneself or one's achievements; overly vain and boastful.
Synonyms
arrogant, boastful, conceited, egotistical, pompous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vainglorious |
This word is used to describe someone who is excessively proud of themselves, often in a way that is seen as vain and boastful. It usually has a negative connotation.
|
| conceited |
Describes someone who has an excessively high opinion of themselves. It suggests vanity and self-importance, and is typically negative.
|
| egotistical |
Indicates an excessive sense of self-importance and a focus on oneself, often to the exclusion of others. It has a negative tone.
|
| pompous |
This word describes someone who behaves in a ceremoniously grand or self-important way. It has a strong negative connotation, often implying pretentiousness.
|
| boastful |
Refers to someone who talks with excessive pride about their achievements, possessions, or abilities. It can be seen negatively, though not as harshly as 'arrogant' or 'vainglorious'.
|
| arrogant |
Used to depict someone who thinks they are better than others and often looks down on people. It has a strong negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He was a vainglorious man who loved to talk about his own accomplishments.
- She couldn't stand his vainglorious attitude and constant bragging.
- The vainglorious actor believed he was the best in the industry.
- His vainglorious behavior alienated him from his colleagues.
- Despite his vainglorious nature, he was actually quite insecure.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People who are vainglorious often struggle with self-esteem, compensating for insecurities through boastfulness.
- Excessive pride can lead to negative social interactions, as boasting may alienate peers.
- Research shows that vainglorious behavior is linked to narcissism, where individuals seek admiration but may lack genuine self-worth.
Literature
- Vainglorious characters often appear in literature to illustrate moral lessons about humility and the dangers of excessive pride.
- William Shakespeare often depicted such characters, including those in tragedies where their hubris leads to downfall.
- In modern literature, characters exhibiting vainglorious traits can often be found in satirical novels that critique social behaviors.
Cultural References
- Ancient cultures often celebrated heroes who were courageous but warned against excessive pride through myths and fables.
- In contemporary pop culture, vainglorious personas are frequently highlighted in reality TV, showcasing people who crave attention and admiration.
- The concept of 'vainglory' has influenced, and sometimes critiqued, social media culture, where self-promotion is rampant.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, leaders have been described as vainglorious when their pride and public displays overshadow their abilities.
- The Age of Enlightenment saw a shift in attitudes toward pride, where it was scrutinized and often seen as a vice.
- Historical texts frequently illustrate how vainglorious behavior led to both the rise and fall of empires, as leaders became disconnected from their people.
Origin of 'vainglorious'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin 'vanus', meaning 'empty', indicating a lack of real substance behind the boastfulness.
- In the early 17th century, 'vainglorious' emerged in English to describe someone who displayed excessive pride.
- The prefix 'vain' in 'vainglorious' refers to being self-centered, which is closely related to how we perceive narcissism today.
The word 'vainglorious' has its origins in the late 16th century, derived from the combination of 'vain' (excessively proud of one's own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc.) and 'glorious' (having, worthy of, or bringing fame or admiration). The term was often used in literature and poetry to describe characters who displayed excessive pride and boastfulness. Over time, 'vainglorious' has become a common adjective to criticize individuals who exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance and a tendency to brag about their accomplishments.
See also: glorification, glorious.