"Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain.Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us"

Darcy's inordinate pride is based on his extreme class-consciousness. Yet eventually he sees that factors other than wealth determine who truly belongs in the aristocracy. In turn Mr. Darcy shows Elizabeth that her judgments were often rash if not wrong and she realizes that they were based on vanity, not on reason. it becomes equally clear that Darcy, through Elizabeth's genius for treating all people with respect for their natural dignity, is reminded that institutions are not an end in themselves but are intended to serve the end of human happiness. I think the worse offence really depends on how you look at things. For me, the systemic class system that Mr. Darcy adhered to seems a little worse than Elizabeth's prejudice.

Source(s): http://www.gradesaver.com/pride-and-prejudice/study-guide/major-themes/