vanity crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "vanity". Whether you're looking for a quick hint or a detailed breakdown, we've got you covered for all word lengths.
Solutions for "vanity crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PRIDE: Excessive self-esteem or self-love, a common synonym for one aspect of vanity.
7 Letters
CONCEIT: Another direct synonym for an inflated sense of self-importance, frequently used interchangeably with vanity.
EGOTISM: The habit of talking and thinking about oneself excessively, often due to an extreme sense of self-worth.
8 Letters
FUTILITY: The quality of being pointless or useless, representing a less common but valid meaning of vanity (as in the fleeting nature of things).
9 Letters
ARROGANCE: The quality of being overly proud and displaying an exaggerated sense of self-importance, often manifested through overbearing behavior.
13 Letters
DRESSINGTABLE: A piece of furniture, typically found in a bedroom, often with a mirror, used for personal grooming. This refers to the furniture meaning of 'vanity'.
More About "vanity crossword clue"
"Vanity" is a fascinating word in crosswords because it carries multiple distinct meanings, which setters love to play with. Most commonly, it refers to excessive pride, conceit, or an inflated sense of self-importance. In this context, answers like PRIDE, CONCEIT, EGOTISM, and ARROGANCE are highly probable. These clues often hint at a character trait, a flaw, or a person's self-admiration.
However, "vanity" also famously refers to a piece of furniture: a dressing table. This is where crosswords can trick you! If the clue subtly hints at a bedroom item, a mirror, or personal grooming, then a longer answer like DRESSINGTABLE might be the solution. Furthermore, in older or more literary contexts, "vanity" can signify futility, emptiness, or the transient nature of life, as in "all is vanity." This meaning, while less frequent, can lead to answers such as FUTILITY.
Understanding these different facets of "vanity" is key to successfully solving its related crossword clues. Always consider the surrounding words in the clue and the length of the required answer to determine which meaning the setter intends.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is your biggest hint, especially for a multi-faceted clue like "vanity." A 5-letter answer suggests PRIDE, while a 13-letter answer almost certainly points to DRESSINGTABLE.
- Context is King: Look at the entire clue. Does it describe a human characteristic ("puffed-up feeling") or an object ("bedroom furniture")? This will guide you to the correct meaning of "vanity."
- Consider Alternative Meanings: For words with multiple definitions, always brainstorm all possibilities. Don't get stuck on the most common meaning if it doesn't fit the letter count or surrounding letters in the grid.
- Use Cross-References: Leverage letters from intersecting words. These can quickly confirm or eliminate potential answers for a challenging clue like "vanity."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different meanings of 'vanity' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'vanity' commonly refers to excessive pride, self-admiration, or conceit (e.g., PRIDE, CONCEIT, EGOTISM). However, it can also refer to a 'dressing table' (a piece of furniture) or, less frequently, to the idea of futility or emptiness (e.g., FUTILITY).
How can I distinguish between the meanings of 'vanity' when solving?
The surrounding words in the clue are key. If the clue hints at a characteristic or a person's demeanor, it's likely the 'pride' meaning. If it refers to furniture, look for clues about a 'table,' 'bedroom,' or 'mirror.' If the clue suggests pointlessness or transience, consider 'futility' as a possibility. Also, checking the number of letters for the answer often helps narrow it down.
Are there any common tricks or synonyms for 'vanity' clues?
Crossword setters often use synonyms like 'conceit,' 'pride,' 'self-love,' or 'egotism' when cluing the first meaning of vanity. For the furniture meaning, look for indirect references to 'dressing' or 'bedroom item.' Sometimes, the word 'empty' or 'pointless' might hint at the futility meaning. Always consider the context of other solved letters.