Conceited vs. Vain — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 6, 2024
Conceited describes someone overly proud of themselves, focusing on their abilities or intelligence, while vain refers to excessive pride in one’s appearance.
Difference Between Conceited and Vain
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Conceited individuals exhibit an inflated sense of their abilities or intelligence, often believing they are superior to others in these aspects. Whereas, vain people are primarily preoccupied with their physical appearance, striving for admiration based on looks.
Being conceited involves a broader scope of self-admiration, potentially encompassing one's intellect, talents, and achievements. In contrast, vanity is more narrowly focused on physical attractiveness, often leading to an excessive concern with outward appearance.
The social implications of being conceited can include alienation due to perceived arrogance or self-importance in various spheres of life, including professional and personal relationships. On the other hand, vanity might lead to an obsession with physical beauty, potentially neglecting other important personal attributes or qualities.
Conceited behavior may manifest in a dismissive attitude towards others' opinions or achievements, highlighting a self-perceived intellectual or skill-based superiority. Vain individuals, however, are more likely to seek constant reassurance or admiration for their looks, possibly engaging in extensive grooming rituals or seeking cosmetic enhancements.
The criticism of someone as conceited often points to a lack of humility and an overestimation of one’s own worth in a broad sense. Criticism of vanity, however, focuses on superficiality and the prioritization of appearance over substance.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Abilities, intelligence
Physical appearance
Scope
Broad, may include various personal attributes
Narrow, primarily concerned with looks
Social Implications
Alienation due to perceived arrogance
Obsession with beauty, possible neglect of inner qualities
Manifestation
Dismissive of others, self-important
Seeks admiration for looks, extensive grooming
Criticism
Lack of humility, overestimation of self-worth
Superficiality, prioritizing appearance over substance
Compare with Definitions
Conceited
Self-Admiration.
He is so conceited that he believes he's the smartest person in every room.
Vain
Physical Appearance.
She spends hours in front of the mirror, driven by vanity.
Conceited
Arrogance.
Her conceited attitude often alienates her colleagues.
Vain
Admiration Seeking.
His vain nature craves constant compliments on his looks.
Conceited
Intellectual Superiority.
Her conceited nature makes her dismiss the ideas of others quickly.
Vain
Grooming Rituals.
Her vanity is evident in her extensive morning grooming ritual.
Conceited
Achievements.
His conceited talk about his achievements leaves little room for anyone else's contributions.
Vain
Cosmetic Enhancements.
His vanity led him to undergo several cosmetic surgeries.
Conceited
Self-Importance.
He's conceited enough to think that every project needs his input to succeed.
Vain
Superficial Concerns.
Her conversation often reveals a vain preoccupation with fashion and trends.
Conceited
Excessively proud of oneself; vain
Fred's so conceited he'd never believe anyone would refuse him
Vain
Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth
A vain woman with a streak of snobbery
Their flattery made him vain
Conceited
Holding or characterized by an unduly high opinion of oneself; vain.
Vain
Producing no result; useless
A vain attempt to tidy up the room
The vain hope of finding work
Conceited
Having an excessively favourable opinion of one's abilities, appearance, etc.; egotistical and vain.
Vain
Not yielding the desired outcome; fruitless
A vain attempt.
Conceited
Having an ingenious expression or metaphorical idea, especially in extended form or used as a literary or rhetorical device.
Vain
Lacking substance or worth
Vain talk.
Conceited
(obsolete) Endowed with fancy or imagination.
Vain
Having or showing excessive pride in one's appearance or accomplishments; conceited.
Conceited
(obsolete) Curiously contrived or designed; fanciful.
Vain
(Archaic) Foolish.
Conceited
Simple past tense and past participle of conceit
Vain
Overly proud of oneself, especially concerning appearance; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason.
Conceited
Endowed with fancy or imagination.
He was . . . pleasantly conceited, and sharp of wit.
Vain
Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
Conceited
Entertaining a flattering opinion of one's self; vain.
If you think me too conceitedOr to passion quickly heated.
Conceited of their own wit, science, and politeness.
Vain
Effecting no purpose; pointless, futile.
Vain toil
A vain attempt
Conceited
Curiously contrived or designed; fanciful.
A conceited chair to sleep in.
Vain
Showy; ostentatious.
Conceited
Characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance;
A conceited fool
An attitude of self-conceited arrogance
An egotistical disregard of others
So swollen by victory that he was unfit for normal duty
Growing ever more swollen-headed and arbitrary
Vain about her clothes
Vain
Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.
Every man walketh in a vain show.
Let no man deceive you with vain words.
Vain pomp, and glory of this world, I hate ye!
Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy.
Vain
Destitute of force or efficacy; effecting no purpose; fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt.
Bring no more vain oblations.
Vain is the force of manTo crush the pillars which the pile sustain.
Vain
Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason; conceited; puffed up; inflated.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?
The minstrels played on every side,Vain of their art.
Vain
Showy; ostentatious.
Load some vain church with old theatric state.
Vain
Vanity; emptiness; - now used only in the phrase in vain.
Vain
Characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance;
A conceited fool
An attitude of self-conceited arrogance
An egotistical disregard of others
So swollen by victory that he was unfit for normal duty
Growing ever more swollen-headed and arbitrary
Vain about her clothes
Vain
Unproductive of success;
A fruitless search
Futile years after her artistic peak
A sleeveless errand
A vain attempt
Common Curiosities
Can a person be both conceited and vain?
Yes, it's possible for someone to be both conceited and vain, exhibiting excessive pride in their abilities and appearance.
What leads someone to be conceited?
Conceitedness often stems from an overestimation of one’s abilities or achievements.
Is vanity only related to physical looks?
While primarily related to looks, vanity can also extend to an obsession with one's public image or social status.
How do people typically react to conceited individuals?
People may react negatively to conceited individuals, perceiving them as arrogant or self-absorbed.
How does conceited behavior manifest in professional settings?
In professional settings, conceited behavior may manifest as disregarding colleagues' ideas or overly promoting one's own contributions.
Can conceitedness be a defense mechanism?
Yes, for some, conceitedness may serve as a defense mechanism to mask insecurities or vulnerabilities.
Can vanity affect one's relationships?
Yes, vanity can strain relationships if one prioritizes appearance excessively, overshadowing deeper connections.
How can vanity influence one’s lifestyle?
Vanity can influence lifestyle choices, prioritizing activities, and expenditures that enhance or maintain physical appearance.
Is there a positive aspect to being conceited or vain?
While generally viewed negatively, a moderate amount of self-esteem associated with these traits can motivate self-improvement.
How do societal norms influence vanity?
Societal norms and media can greatly influence vanity by setting often unrealistic standards for beauty and appearance.
What are the social implications of vanity?
Vanity can lead to superficial interactions and a focus on appearance that neglects the importance of inner qualities in social settings.
How can one manage conceited behavior?
Managing conceited behavior involves self-reflection, developing empathy, and valuing others' contributions and worth.
Can vanity lead to health issues?
Yes, extreme vanity can lead to mental health issues like anxiety or physical health risks associated with cosmetic procedures.
Why do some find vanity attractive?
Some may find vanity attractive if they equate care for appearance with self-respect or a sign of success.
How can societal pressure amplify conceited or vain behavior?
Societal pressure can amplify these behaviors by rewarding and valuing external success and beauty, often at the expense of deeper qualities.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
