vainglory
/veɪnˈɡlɔːri/
NOUN
1. Excessive vanity and self-admiration
An excessive or unjustified sense of one's own importance, worth, attractiveness, or superiority, accompanied by an exaggerated desire for admiration.
1.1. Arrogance and conceit
An exaggerated opinion of one's own importance, abilities, or superiority, often accompanied by an attitude of disdain or haughtiness toward others.
Synonyms
- arrogance
- conceit
- conceitedness
- haughtiness
- hubris
- egotism
- big-headedness
- cockiness
- pomposity
- pompousness
- superciliousness
- smugness
- overconfidence
- self-importance
- pridefulness
- snobbishness
- imperiousness
- disdainfulness
Antonyms
- humility
- humbleness
- modesty
- meekness
- diffidence
- bashfulness
- demureness
- timidity
- shyness
Examples
- The warrior chose humility over vainglory, letting actions speak louder than words.
- The monarch's reign was marked by a quest for personal vainglory rather than the welfare of the kingdom.
Related Words
- ego
- egoism
- egocentrism
- egomania
- narcissism
- self-absorption
- self-centeredness
- self-conceit
- self-righteousness
- self-worship
- superiority
- self-regard
1.2. Excessive self-admiration and pride
An inflated appreciation of one's own worth, accomplishments, or qualities, involving excessive self-praise and satisfaction with oneself.
Synonyms
- self-admiration
- self-assumption
- self-assurance
- self-centeredness
- self-conceit
- self-confidence
- self-congratulation
- self-esteem
- self-glory
- self-importance
- self-love
- self-opinion
- self-pride
- self-respect
- self-satisfaction
- vanity
- vainness
- complacence
- complacency
Antonyms
- self-doubt
- self-disgust
- self-hate
- self-loathing
- humility
- modesty
Examples
- The artist focused on creating meaningful work rather than chasing after vainglory.
Related Words
- amour propre
- self-regard
- self-possession
- self-interest
- self-concern
- self-contentment
- self-preoccupation
- self-glorification
- self-worship
- narcissism
1.3. Boastfulness and self-glorification
Excessive pride expressed through boasting, bragging, or publicly displaying one's supposed achievements and superiority to gain admiration.
Synonyms
- boastfulness
- bragging
- self-glorification
- self-congratulation
- swagger
- strutting
- bighead
- swelled head
- swellheadedness
Antonyms
- modesty
- humility
- unselfishness
- altruism
Examples
- In his pursuit of vainglory, the performer sought applause at any cost.
Related Words
- boasting
- gasconade
- self-aggrandizement
- self-promotion
- vaunting
- ostentation
- pomposity
- narcissism
NOUN
2. Vain and ostentatious display
A showy or exaggerated display of pride, self-importance, or personal glory intended to attract admiration or recognition.
2.1. Ostentation and pretentious display
An outward display of exaggerated importance or pride through showy, pretentious, or self-aggrandizing behavior.
Synonyms
- ostentation
- pretentiousness
- pretension
- presumption
- assurance
Antonyms
- modesty
- humility
- unselfishness
- altruism
Examples
- The poet condemned the pursuit of vainglory, advocating for authenticity in creative expression.
Related Words
- display
- showing off
- bragging
- boastfulness
- swagger
- strutting
- self-glorification
- self-aggrandizement
- grandiosity
VERB
3. Boasting or acting vainly
To boast about oneself or behave in a vain, self-important, or excessively proud manner.
3.1. Boasting and displaying vanity
To speak or act with excessive pride, drawing attention to one's own qualities, achievements, or supposed superiority.
Synonyms
- boast
- brag
- vaunt
Related Words
- show off
- swagger
- self-glorify
- self-promote
- bragging
- boastfulness