Meaning of "vainly" in English

"Vainly" is an adverb used to describe actions or efforts that are undertaken without success or without producing the desired result. It often conveys a sense of futility or uselessness in the endeavor. When someone does something vainly, they might be attempting a task with a lot of effort but ultimately failing to achieve their goal. This word can express a sense of hopelessness or inefficiency in achieving an outcome despite trying hard.

Meaning of "en vain" in French

"En vain" in French carries the same connotation as "vainly" in English, referring to efforts or actions that do not lead to success or the desired outcome. When something is done "en vain," it implies that despite the effort or intention behind an action, it turns out to be ineffective or without positive results. This phrase can express the notion that time, energy, or resources were spent without gaining the anticipated success, mirroring the sense of futility found in its English counterpart.

Pronunciation of "vainly" in English

Phonetic Transcription: [ˈveɪn.li]

Pronunciation Variations: In general, "vainly" is pronounced consistently across English-speaking regions, with slight variations in intonation based on local accents. The stress is typically on the first syllable.

Pronunciation of "en vain" in French

Phonetic Transcription: [ɑ̃ vɛ̃]

Pronunciation Variations: "En vain" is pronounced with a nasal sound, which is common in French. There may be slight variations in pronunciation depending on regional accents, but the standard pronunciation is generally consistent across France and other French-speaking regions.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. She tried to open the door, but it was locked, and she pushed vainly.
    (Elle a essayé d'ouvrir la porte, mais elle était verrouillée, et elle a poussé en vain.)

  2. He searched vainly for his lost keys all morning.
    (Il a cherché en vain ses clés perdues toute la matinée.)

  3. The team fought vainly to win the match.
    (L'équipe s'est battue en vain pour gagner le match.)

  4. She called out, vainly hoping for a reply.
    (Elle a appelé, espérant en vain une réponse.)

  5. He tried vainly to fix the broken machine.
    (Il a essayé en vain de réparer la machine cassée.)

  6. They argued vainly about the decision for hours.
    (Ils ont disputé en vain au sujet de la décision pendant des heures.)

  7. She waved her hand vainly to catch the bus driver's attention.
    (Elle a agité sa main en vain pour attirer l'attention du conducteur de bus.)

  8. He stared vainly at the blank page, unable to write.
    (Il a regardé la page blanche en vain, incapable d'écrire.)

  9. They worked vainly to meet the deadline.
    (Ils ont travaillé en vain pour respecter la date limite.)

  10. She tried to remember the song words, but vainly.
    (Elle a essayé de se souvenir des paroles de la chanson, mais en vain.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "vainly" in English

Synonyms: unsuccessfully, fruitlessly, ineffectively, futilely, without success, pointlessly, to no avail, uselessly, abortively, idly.

Antonyms: successfully, effectively, fruitfully, productively, efficiently.

Similar Words: hopelessly, impractically, without result, unproductively, ineffectually.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "en vain" in French

Synonyms: inutilement, vainement, sans succès, futilement, infructueusement, inefficacement, pour rien, à vide, stérilement.

Antonyms: efficacement, avec succès, utilement, fructueusement, productivement.

Similar Words: vainement, sans résultat, stérilement, de manière vaine, inefficacement.

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