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μάταιος
vain /ˈme.te.os/
adjectiveC1#3107 most common
Also: futile, useless
Example sentences
Ο κόπος του ήταν μάταιος.
His effort was vain.
Προσπάθησα μάταια να τον πείσω.
I tried in vain to convince him.
Είναι μάταιος ο φόβος σου.
Your fear is vain.
Η μάταιη αναζήτηση της ευτυχίας μπορεί να μας απογοητεύσει.
The vain search for happiness can disappoint us.
Μάταια περίμενα την απάντησή του.
I waited in vain for his answer.
Η μάταιη προσπάθεια του να γίνει διάσημος τον έκανε δυστυχισμένο.
His vain attempt to become famous made him unhappy.
Declension
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | μάταιος | μάταιοι |
| Genitive | μάταιου | ματαίων |
| Accusative | μάταιο | μάταιους |
| Vocative | μάταιε | μάταιοι |
Word family
ματαιότηταvanity
ματαιώνωto make vain
ματαιωμένοςvain (as in rendered vain)
Etymology
The Modern Greek word 'μάταιος' derives from the Ancient Greek 'μάταιος', which also meant 'vain' or 'futile'. Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Indo-European, reflecting a long-standing concept of emptiness or lack of substance.
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