What is the difference between 'hubris' and 'vanity'?

Answer 1

Not much. Hubris is more general..Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance; where as vanity is a little more specific in meaning - excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities, achievements, etc.;

So I think there is a slight difference and each word should be selected depending on the context of the sentence it is to be use in.

Answer 2

In ancient Greek myths and tragedies, the word hubris carried an added connotation that it was a tragic flaw and often led to catastrophe. People guilty of hubris had offended the gods and brought ruin upon themselves. In their minds it was more destructive than vanity.

Vanity is a little more specific than hubris, because it usually is mainly related to appearance, while hubris could be excessive pride of anything. In its most extreme form, vanity leads to narcissism -- another word from Greek -- which originated with the story of Narcissus, who was so enamored of his own reflection in a pond he stared at it until he wasted away.

Answer 3

'Hubris' is more like arrogance whereas 'vanity' has more to do with a preoccupation with your looks.