vain
adj
(-er, -est)
1 having too high an opinion of one's looks, abilities, etc; conceited (对自己的才、 貌等)自视过高的; 自负的.
2 [attrib 作定语]
(esp rhet 尤作修辞) having no value or significance 无价值的; 无意义的
vain promises, triumphs, pleasures 空头的许诺、 虚无的胜利、 空欢喜.
3 [usu attrib 通常作定语]
useless or futile 无用的; 无益的; 无效的; 徒劳的
a vain attempt 劳而无功的努力
in the vain hope of persuading him 指望说服他而徒费口舌.
4 (idm 习语) in `vain
(a) with no result; uselessly 无结果地; 徒然
try in vain to sleep 怎麽也睡不著.
(b) fruitless or useless 无效果的; 无用的
All our work was in vain. 我们的工作全都白干了. take sb's name in vain => name1.
So how are you, Wang Bing. Are you excited about your new job?
你过得怎么样,王兵?得到新工作你高兴吗?
On the subject of reading, Francis Bacon, who lived at about the same time as shakespeare, wrote these words, Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. This good advice shows how it is possible to read