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.
Next, if it is not a story, get an idea of the organization of the book. Read the back cover and the introduction. Look at the pictures and the short texts below them. Turn to the front of the book and look at the contents. This way you can decide whether
If an unfair law existed, - and there were many that had been passed by the British rulers in India and South Africa - it was the duty of everyone to disobey this law, but without using violence.