ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vegetarian

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˌvɛdʒəˈtɛˌɹiən// UK //vˌɛdʒɪtˈeəɹiən// veg·e·tar·i·an Archaic

n. someone who does not eat meat or fish. You might choose this lifestyle for health, religious, or moral reasons.

n. a person who does not eat meat, fish, or their by-products, often for ethical, environmental, or health reasons.


SIMPLE

She has been a vegetarian since she was a teenager.

CONTEXTUAL

The restaurant offers several delicious options for any vegetarian who visits, including a famous lentil soup.

COMPLEX

While some people adopt the diet for its perceived health benefits, many vegetarians are motivated by a desire to reduce their environmental footprint and avoid animal cruelty.

Origin

From vegetable + -arian; popularized following 1847 foundation of British Vegetarian Society.

Usage

Commonly used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'vegetarian diet' or 'vegetarian options'.

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