in vain
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb 1. Without success; fruitlessly: Describes an action that is done but does not achieve the desired result or purpose. 2. In a way that is pointless or without real value: Describes an action that serves no useful purpose or is futile.
Usage
The phrase "in vain" is used to modify a verb, indicating that the effort or action described was unsuccessful or meaningless. It often carries a tone of disappointment or frustration.
Examples
- Adverb:
- The firefighters tried in vain to save the old building. (Their efforts were unsuccessful.)
- She waited in vain for a reply that never came. (Her waiting was fruitless.)
- He searched in vain for his lost keys. (The search did not achieve its goal.)
Advanced Usage
- "to die in vain": To die for a cause or reason that is not honored or that fails.
- We must ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
- "to take someone's name in vain": To use a name, especially the name of God, disrespectfully or irreverently.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Variants and Related Words
- Vainly (Adverb): In a vain manner; without success. This is the adverbial form of the adjective "vain" and is often synonymous with "in vain."
- He vainly attempted to fix the broken machine.
Synonyms
- Fruitlessly
- Unsuccessfully
- To no avail
- Without success
- Futilely
Antonyms
- Successfully
- Effectively
- Fruitfully
Related Phrases
- In a futile attempt: As part of an effort that is incapable of producing any useful result.
- They argued in a futile attempt to change his mind.
Adverb
- to no avail
- he looked for her in vain
- the city fathers tried vainly to find a solution