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Vain, Vein, or Vane?
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.Click on the Two Correct Sentences
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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.

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
- A vain person
- You're so vain.
- vein blockage
- vein bruise
- vein burst
- vein collapse
- vein cream
- vein graft
- vein infection
- vein in leg
- vein removal
- vein thrombosis
- weathervane
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