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Vegetarian Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vegetarian

[ˌvɛdʒɪˈtɛːrɪən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dietary choice

A person who does not eat meat or fish, and sometimes other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons.

Synonyms

herbivore, plant-based diet follower, vegan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vegetarian

Used when describing someone who does not eat meat but may still consume animal products like dairy and eggs.

  • She is a vegetarian but loves cheese and eggs.
  • Many vegetarians enjoy a variety of plant-based dishes.
vegan

Describes someone who does not consume any animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. It also often includes avoiding animal products in other areas of life, like clothing.

  • She is vegan and avoids wearing leather.
  • A vegan diet excludes all forms of animal products.
herbivore

Typically refers to animals that eat only plants. It is not commonly used for people.

  • Cows are herbivores.
  • Herbivores play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
plant-based diet follower

Used when describing someone who follows a diet primarily based on plants. Unlike vegetarians or vegans, it gives room for occasional consumption of animal products.

  • He is a plant-based diet follower, but sometimes he eats fish.
  • A plant-based diet follower focuses on fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Examples of usage

  • She has been a vegetarian for 10 years.
  • Many vegetarians choose not to eat dairy products as well.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing food or diet

Relating to or suitable for vegetarians.

Synonyms

plant-based, vegan-friendly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vegetarian

Describe food or a diet that excludes meat but may include animal products like dairy and eggs. It can refer to people who follow such a diet.

  • I'm a vegetarian because I don't eat meat.
  • The restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes.
vegan-friendly

Indicates that a product, dish, or service caters to vegan principles, meaning it contains no animal products or by-products. It is helpful to assure vegans that something aligns with their diet.

  • These shoes are vegan-friendly, made without any animal leather.
  • That restaurant has a vegan-friendly menu including dairy-free and meat-free options.
plant-based

Often used in the context of diets that primarily consist of foods derived from plants. It focuses on eating whole, unprocessed plant foods and might not entirely exclude animal products.

  • I switched to a plant-based diet to improve my health.
  • This smoothie is made from 100% plant-based ingredients.

Examples of usage

  • This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options.
  • He prefers vegetarian dishes over meat.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • In India, nearly one-third of the population follows a vegetarian diet due to cultural and religious beliefs.
  • Many ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, had followers of vegetarianism for health and philosophical reasons.
  • In some cultures, vegetarianism is observed as a means of compassion towards animals, especially during religious festivals.

Health Perspectives

  • Research indicates that a vegetarian diet can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
  • It is believed that a well-planned vegetarian diet provides all necessary nutrients, making it suitable for individuals of all ages.
  • Many vegetarians choose this lifestyle to promote better environmental sustainability, as livestock farming emits significant greenhouse gases.

Popular Figures

  • Notable vegetarians include Albert Einstein, who advocated for a meatless diet as a way to promote peace.
  • Many celebrity chefs, like Jamie Oliver, have shared vegetarian recipes to inspire healthy eating habits among followers.
  • The musician Paul McCartney has been a long-time advocate for vegetarianism and has launched campaigns to raise awareness about animal rights.

Global Trends

  • The number of vegetarians worldwide is growing, with many countries seeing a rise in plant-based food products and restaurants.
  • In 2020, the global vegetarian food market was valued at several billion dollars, indicating a significant trend towards plant-based diets.
  • Social media platforms have become important in sharing vegetarian recipes and lifestyles, influencing many to consider this diet.

Origin of 'vegetarian'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'vegetarian' comes from the Latin word 'vegetus', meaning 'lively' or 'vigorous'.
  • It first appeared in the early 19th century when the Vegetarian Society was founded in England.
  • Before the term became popular, people who didn't eat meat were referred to as 'porkless' or 'fleshless'.

The term 'vegetarian' was first used in the mid-19th century to describe individuals who abstain from consuming meat. The concept of vegetarianism has roots in ancient civilizations such as ancient Greece and India, where plant-based diets were common among certain groups for religious or ethical reasons. Over time, vegetarianism has gained popularity worldwide as a lifestyle choice for various reasons, including environmental concerns, animal welfare, and health benefits.

See also: vegetables.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,930, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.