- American Pronunciation: /ˈviːɡən/
- British Pronunciation: /ˈviːɡən/
The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, with emphasis on the first syllable and a long "ee" sound.
Definition of
vegan
The word vegan (noun) can be concisely defined as a person who does not consume or use any animal products, often for ethical or health reasons. For example, "She is a dedicated vegan and avoids all animal-derived foods" or "He recently switched to a vegan lifestyle, eliminating all animal-based products from his diet."
In a broader sense, vegan can also refer to a way of life or philosophy that rejects the use of animal products in any form. For instance, "Veganism promotes a compassionate and environmentally-conscious lifestyle" or "This company prides itself on its vegan and cruelty-free skincare products."
Additionally, the word vegan can also function as an adjective to describe something that is free from animal products. For example, "This cake is vegan-friendly, made with only plant-based ingredients" or "The restaurant has a separate vegan menu for its customers."
Overall, vegan is a term used to describe individuals, practices, and products that do not involve the use of animal products. As a speech coach, it is important to understand and properly define this word as it is increasingly becoming a common dietary and lifestyle choice for many people.
What does it mean
vegan
The term "vegan" was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, a British animal rights advocate, who founded the Vegan Society in the UK. The word was derived by taking the first three and last two letters of "vegetarian" because, in Watson’s words, veganism starts with vegetarianism and carries it through to its logical conclusion. While vegetarianism has a history that dates back thousands of years, veganism is a relatively modern movement, emphasizing a comprehensive philosophy rejecting the commodity status of animals.