Vainglory
/ˌveɪnˈɡlɔːr.i/noun
Excessive pride in one’s achievements, qualities, or status.
Did you know?Medieval theologians treated vainglory as a serious spiritual vice, often ranking it among the deadly sins or placing it beneath the broader sin of pride.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂wéh₂nos
“Empty, lacking substance; the distant ancestral source associated with Latin vanus”
Classical Latin
Latin
vānus
“Empty, hollow, futile, or deceptive”
Classical Latin
Latin
vāna glōria
“Empty or futile glory”
12th Century
Old French
vaine gloire
“Futile fame, boastful pride, or worldly glory”
14th Century
Middle English
veyn glorie
“Pride in praise, reputation, or achievements”
Modern English
English
vainglory
“Excessive and hollow pride or self-display”
Explore more surprising origins