Library / English Dictionary

VAINLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adverb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

To no avail

Example:

the city fathers tried vainly to find a solution

Synonyms:

in vain; vainly

Classified under:

Adverbs

Pertainym:

vain (unproductive of success)

Credits

 Context examples: 

"My... My hair!" burst out poor Jo, trying vainly to smother her emotion in the pillow.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

“My place is by the flag,” cried Alleyne, vainly struggling to break from the other's hold.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The two friends chatted in intimate converse for a few minutes, recalling once again the days of the past, while their prisoner vainly wriggled to undo the bonds that held him.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

With every impulsion the oscillation increased, those in front trying vainly to steady themselves against the rushes from behind, until suddenly there came a sharp snap, two white stakes with earth clinging to their points flew into the outer ring, and a spray of people, dashed from the solid wave behind, were thrown against the line of the beaters-out.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The road topped a low hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to keep the flames under.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I recalled the voice I had heard; again I questioned whence it came, as vainly as before: it seemed in me—not in the external world.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I strove vainly to force my fingers down on the triggers, and vainly I strove to say something.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

The crowd fell silent; only could be heard the voices of the gamblers vainly offering two to one.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

But when he found the right shelf, he sought vainly for the answer.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Failing in this, Wolf raced back to where Walt Irvine sat, catching his coat-sleeve in his teeth and trying vainly to drag him after the retreating man.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)