crossword clue vain – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a crossword and the clue is "vain," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "crossword clue vain" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PROUD: Feeling or showing a high opinion of oneself, often excessively so. A direct synonym for vain in the sense of conceited.
6 Letters
FUTILE: Producing no useful result; pointless. This meaning of "vain" refers to efforts or actions that are useless or ineffective.
8 Letters
ARROGANT: Having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities. Closely related to the conceited aspect of being vain.
9 Letters
CONCEITED: Excessively proud of oneself; vain. This is a very common and direct synonym for "vain" in crosswords.
11 Letters
EGOTISTICAL: Excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself; self-centered. A longer, more descriptive word for someone who is vain about their own importance.
12 Letters
NARCISSISTIC: Having an excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one's physical appearance. This term strongly implies a vain preoccupation with self.
More About "crossword clue vain"
The clue "vain" is a fascinating one in crosswords because it carries two distinct meanings, both frequently exploited by puzzle setters. On one hand, it refers to an inflated sense of self-importance or excessive pride, leading to answers like PROUD, CONCEITED, or ARROGANT. This is perhaps the more common association people have with the word.
However, "vain" also means futile or useless, as in "in vain" or "vain efforts." This second meaning often yields answers such as FUTILE or POINTLESS. Savvy crossword solvers always keep both interpretations in mind when encountering this clue, using the number of letters and surrounding filled-in squares to determine the correct sense.
Understanding these dual meanings is key to cracking clues like "vain." Crossword puzzles love these kinds of double-edged words, which test a solver's vocabulary breadth and contextual awareness. Always consider both the 'conceited' and the 'useless' definitions to find the perfect fit for your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: As with "vain," many words have multiple dictionary definitions. Always explore all possible meanings of a clue, especially if a direct synonym isn't immediately apparent.
- Utilize Letter Count: The specified number of letters is your most powerful tool. It immediately narrows down the possibilities and guides your thought process towards words of the correct length.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These fixed letters can confirm or rule out potential answers, guiding you to the correct solution.
- Think About Context: Sometimes, the theme of the puzzle or the specific constructor's style can hint at which meaning of a word is intended. Pay attention to other clues in the puzzle for subtle nudges.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'vain' typically mean in crossword clues?
In crosswords, 'vain' commonly refers to two main meanings: either conceited, excessively proud of oneself (e.g., PROUD, CONCEITED, ARROGANT, EGOTISTICAL), or futile, useless, and without result (e.g., FUTILE, USELESS).
How can the number of letters help solve 'vain' clues?
The number of letters is crucial. For instance, a 5-letter answer for 'vain' might be PROUD, while a 6-letter answer could be FUTILE. Longer answers like CONCEITED (9 letters) or EGOTISTICAL (12 letters) provide more specific nuances of the 'conceited' meaning.
Are there synonyms for 'vain' that often appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include PROUD, FUTILE, CONCEITED, ARROGANT, EGOTISTICAL, and NARCISSISTIC. The context of the surrounding letters in the grid often helps pinpoint the exact word needed.