altruistic
al-troo-ISS-tik
/ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪk/
showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others, often involving self-sacrifice
Implies acting entirely for another's gain without expecting personal reward, recognition, or payback.
The story behind the word. Coined in French by philosopher Auguste Comte as 'altruiste' (from Italian 'altrui' and Latin 'alter', meaning 'other'). Comte invented the word to describe the moral duty of living for others rather than oneself.
Word relationships
- unselfish: Unselfish is everyday vocabulary, whereas altruistic is a formal term often used in philosophy and social science.
- selfless: Selfless stresses putting oneself last; altruistic stresses actively advancing the good of others.
- egoistic: Driven purely by self-interest and personal gain.
- selfish: Lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with personal profit.
Commonly confused with
- benevolent: Benevolent means well-meaning and kindly; altruistic specifically highlights sacrifice of self-interest for others.
Word family
- altruism (noun): disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others
- altruist (noun): a person who acts with altruism
- altruistically (adverb): in an altruistic manner
Collocations
- altruistic motive
- altruistic act
- purely altruistic
- altruistic instinct
Idioms & expressions
- for the greater good
Example sentences
- "Her altruistic donor gift funded the construction of three free medical clinics in rural towns." Philanthropy
- "Biologists study altruistic behavior in meerkat colonies, where sentinels risk their lives to warn others of predators." Evolutionary Biology
Memory hook
ALTruistic = ALL FOR TRU-ly OTHER-s ('alter' = other). Giving to others without self-interest.
When not to use
Do not use if the actor receives direct financial or self-interested gain from the action.
Fun facts
- Auguste Comte created the term specifically as the philosophical opposite of egoism in the 1850s.
Related words
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