Vanity is an excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements at the expense of genuine self-worth.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A desire for external validation and praise.
- Often leads to ostentatious or unrealistic behavior.
- Rooted in insecurity and a need for status.
1) 概述：虚荣（Vanity）源于对自我价值的误判，即过度依赖外部的肯定来建立自信。它是一种心理防御机制，通过展示财富、地位或外貌来掩盖内心的不安全感。
2) 使用模式：虚荣通常作为名词使用，常出现在“虚荣心”、“满足虚荣心”等搭配中。它可以作为主语（如：虚荣毁了他）或宾语（如：她太看重虚荣）。
3) 常见语境：常见于社交媒体炫耀、奢侈品消费、职场攀比或学术界的虚假包装。在现代社会，随着社交媒体的普及，虚荣的表现形式愈发多样，如过度修图、展示虚假生活方式等。
4) 近义词辨析：与“自尊”不同，自尊是健康的自我认同，而虚荣是脆弱的自我膨胀。与“骄傲”相比，骄傲有时源于真实成就，而虚荣往往伴随着空洞的虚假感。
Examples
她为了虚荣心，买了一堆根本用不上的名牌包。
everydayOut of vanity, she bought a pile of designer bags she never uses.
过度的虚荣往往是内心自卑的表现。
formalExcessive vanity is often a manifestation of inner inferiority.
别那么虚荣，实实在在做事最重要。
informalDon't be so vain; doing things practically is what matters most.
学术界的虚荣现象阻碍了真正的科学创新。
academicThe phenomenon of vanity in academia hinders true scientific innovation.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
爱慕虚荣
Fond of vanity / Vain
虚荣作祟
Driven by vanity
抛弃虚荣
Cast aside vanity
Often Confused With
Self-esteem is a healthy regard for oneself. Vanity is an unhealthy obsession with how one is perceived by others.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '虚荣' is typically used to describe a negative trait. It is commonly paired with '心' (heart/mind) to form '虚荣心'. It is appropriate in both formal psychological discussions and everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '虚荣' with '自豪' (pride). Remember that '自豪' can be positive, while '虚荣' is almost always critical of the person's character.
Tips
Focus on inner growth
Shift your focus from external validation to internal competence. True confidence does not require the constant applause of others.
Beware of social media
Social media is a breeding ground for vanity. Be mindful of how much you rely on likes and comments for your self-esteem.
The concept of Mianzi
In Chinese culture, 'Mianzi' (face) is closely related to vanity. Maintaining face is important, but overdoing it leads to vanity.
Word Origin
The term combines '虚' (empty/hollow) and '荣' (glory/honor). It literally describes a state where one seeks glory that lacks a solid foundation.
Cultural Context
In Confucian culture, the concept of 'Face' is significant. While maintaining social standing is expected, '虚荣' is the distorted version where appearance is valued over reality.
Memory Tip
Think of '虚' (empty) + '荣' (glory). It is 'empty glory'—glory that has no substance.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions他们通常喜欢炫耀物质财富，过度在意他人对自己的评价，并且难以接受批评。为了获得关注，他们甚至可能夸大事实。
完全不是。自信是基于对自己能力的认可，而虚荣是基于对他人目光的依赖，两者本质截然不同。
培养内在的自我价值感，减少对社交媒体的依赖，并学会关注事物的本质而非表面光鲜。
虚荣可能导致决策失误，让人为了“面子”而拒绝承认错误或拒绝接受有益的建议。
Test Yourself
他为了满足自己的___，买了许多昂贵但并不需要的奢侈品。
文中提到购买昂贵且不需要的物品，这是典型的虚荣表现。
Score: /1
Summary
Vanity is an excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements at the expense of genuine self-worth.
- A desire for external validation and praise.
- Often leads to ostentatious or unrealistic behavior.
- Rooted in insecurity and a need for status.
Focus on inner growth
Shift your focus from external validation to internal competence. True confidence does not require the constant applause of others.
Beware of social media
Social media is a breeding ground for vanity. Be mindful of how much you rely on likes and comments for your self-esteem.
The concept of Mianzi
In Chinese culture, 'Mianzi' (face) is closely related to vanity. Maintaining face is important, but overdoing it leads to vanity.
Examples
4 of 4她为了虚荣心，买了一堆根本用不上的名牌包。
Out of vanity, she bought a pile of designer bags she never uses.
过度的虚荣往往是内心自卑的表现。
Excessive vanity is often a manifestation of inner inferiority.
别那么虚荣，实实在在做事最重要。
Don't be so vain; doing things practically is what matters most.
学术界的虚荣现象阻碍了真正的科学创新。
The phenomenon of vanity in academia hinders true scientific innovation.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
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门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
