Also means
conceit
Usage Note
Eitelkeit means vanity about one's appearance or merits, from the adjective eitel. The biblical phrase alles ist eitel preserves an older sense of futility. Used in the plural Eitelkeiten for petty vanities.
Examples
"Seine Eitelkeit zeigte sich in der ständigen Selbstbespiegelung."
Natural Translation
His vanity showed in his constant self-admiration.
Literal Translation
His vanity showed itself in the constant self-mirroring.

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Related Words
- Abgeklärtheit serenity, mature composure, detached calm
- Anmaßung presumption, arrogance, overstepping
- Aufgeschlossenheit open-mindedness, receptiveness
- Bedachtheit deliberateness, thoughtful care, circumspection
- Begeisterungsfähigkeit capacity for enthusiasm
- Beharrungsvermögen tenacity, perseverance
- Beharrungswille persistence, determination to persist
- Beherrschtheit self-control, composure
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