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altruism

AL-troo-iz-um /ˈæltruɪzəm/

nounB2GRESATIELTSTOEFL

generalacademic

Unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others.

Implies selfless action taken without expecting personal reward or material gain.

The story behind the word. French philosopher Auguste Comte coined 'altruisme' in 1851 as an explicit antonym to egoism. Derived from Latin 'alter' (other), Comte envisioned altruism as a secular moral imperative to live for others ('vivre pour autrui').

Word relationships

benevolence: Benevolence refers to a general disposition of goodwill, while altruism emphasizes concrete self-sacrificing actions.

egoism: Egoism is the practice or theory of placing self-interest above all others.

Commonly confused with

philanthropy: Philanthropy specifically involves donating money or resources to charitable causes, whereas altruism is the broader moral orientation of selflessness.

Word family

altruistic (adjective): Showing unselfish concern for others
altruistically (adverb): In an altruistic manner

Collocations

pure altruism
effective altruism
act of altruism
reciprocal altruism

Example sentences

"Biologists study reciprocal altruism to explain how self-sacrificing behaviors can evolve in animal communities." Evolutionary biology journal
"Her decision to leave a lucrative corporate career and work in a remote clinic was driven by pure altruism." Community service narrative

Memory hook

ALT = ALTER = OTHER; Altruism is placing OTHER people's well-being above your own. Living for the other.

When not to use

Do not confuse with simple politeness or transactional reciprocity; true altruism involves self-sacrifice.

Fun facts

Vampire bats demonstrate biological altruism by regurgitating blood to feed starving roost-mates that failed to hunt successfully.