vegetarianism
Meaning
The practice or principle of not eating meat or fish, and sometimes other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons.
Structure
Usage
She adopted vegetarianism for both ethical and environmental reasons.
The book explores the history and philosophy of vegetarianism.
His doctor suggested trying vegetarianism to improve his cholesterol levels.
Etymology
The word 'vegetarianism' is a modern English construction, built upon the earlier term 'vegetarian' which first appeared in the mid-19th century. Its core component, 'vegetar-', is derived from the Latin vegetus meaning "lively, active", which evolved through 'vegetable' to signify plant life. The suffix '-ian' attaches to form 'vegetarian', denoting a person whose diet is based on plants. Finally, the abstract-noun-forming suffix '-ism' is appended, shifting the focus from the person to the doctrine or practice itself. Thus, the term logically constructs the concept of "the practice of those who follow a plant-based diet", reflecting its origins in specific social and dietary movements rather than ancient vocabulary.
Analysis
- vegetar: From Latin vegetare (to enliven, to grow) via English 'vegetable'. In this compound, it signifies "plant-based". - ian: A suffix of Latin origin via French, forming nouns meaning "one who practices or is concerned with". - ism: A suffix from Greek -ismos, via Latin and French, forming nouns denoting a system, principle, or ideological movement.