vain
adj
(-er, -est)
1 having too high an opinion of one's looks, abilities, etc; conceited (对自己的才、 貌等)自视过高的; 自负的.
2 [attrib 作定语]
(esp rhet 尤作修辞) having no value or significance 无价值的; 无意义的
vain promises, triumphs, pleasures 空头的许诺、 虚无的胜利、 空欢喜.
3 [usu attrib 通常作定语]
useless or futile 无用的; 无益的; 无效的; 徒劳的
a vain attempt 劳而无功的努力
in the vain hope of persuading him 指望说服他而徒费口舌.
4 (idm 习语) in `vain
(a) with no result; uselessly 无结果地; 徒然
try in vain to sleep 怎麽也睡不著.
(b) fruitless or useless 无效果的; 无用的
All our work was in vain. 我们的工作全都白干了. take sb's name in vain => name1.
When the ship finally arrived in a port, the wooden cover was opened wide and Kunta could see in daylight for the first time across the part of the ship where he had been chained.
当船终于到达一个港口时,木盖打开了,孔塔这才第一次在日光下扫视了他被拴在那儿的那一部分船舱。
He read many books and paused in his work at six every evening for prayers, even when he was with other world leaders.