Vain, Vein, or Vane?

"A vein" is a blood vessel or a distinctive style.
"Vain" means "self admiring" or "futile." (The term "in vain" (as in "to try in vain") means "without success").
"A vane" is a stabilizing fin or blade.

More about "Vein," "Vain," and "Vane"

The words "vein," "vain," and "vane" sound identical (i.e., they are homophones), but their meanings are very different.

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Vein

The noun "vein" has four main meanings:

(1) A blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries towards the heart.

varicose veins (2) A distinctive style or manner.

Mr Mellor continued in the same vein despite several reprimands.

(3) A layer of ore or mineral between layers of rock.

mineral vein running
(4) The ribs that support an insect's wing.

veins in an insect's wing

Vain

The adjective "vain" means "conceited" or "self admiring." "Vain" can also mean "fruitless." In this meaning, it is often seen as "in vain" meaning "without success" or "in a futile manner."

Examples:

Petra is so vain. She spends half her time looking in the mirror.
I tried in vain to pull the boat ashore, but it was just too heavy.

Vane

The noun "vane denotes a blade or a fin usually used to stabilize an object in the air or in water. It is most commonly seen in the word weathervane.

Examples:

The stabilizing vane has come loose.
The steel casing protects the vane from damage in the event that the vessel hits the rocks.

weathervane

Common Terms with the Words "Vain," "Vein," and "Vane"

The word "vain" (meaning "futile" or "producing no result") is often seen in the following terms:

To try in vain
A vain attempt
To do something in vain
A vain hope

"Vain" (meaning "self-admiring") is often seen in the following terms:

A vain person
You're so vain.

The word "vein" (meaning "the tubes forming part of the blood circulation system") is often seen in the following terms:

vein blockage
vein bruise
vein burst
vein collapse
vein cream
vein graft
vein infection
vein in leg
vein removal
vein thrombosis

Common terms with the word "vane":

weathervane

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