Altruism
n.kind, thoughtfulformal
What it means
Concern for others' well-being that is not driven by personal gain.
Reach for it when describing a motive that places another person's benefit first
Quiet altruism kept the free pantry stocked through winter.
Choose between these
6- everyday
freely giving resources or attention is visible
not when Generosity may bring status, pleasure, or reciprocal benefit.
- warm
suffering moves someone to care
not when Compassion is an emotion and need not produce altruistic action.
- warm
lack of self-interest is the defining trait
not when Selflessness can imply unhealthy neglect of legitimate personal needs.
- professional
public spirit
action benefits the wider community
not when Public spirit can align with reputation or civic duty rather than pure altruism.
- formal
kind intention toward others matters
not when Benevolence can remain paternal or inactive.
- formal
organized giving of private resources is the method
not when Philanthropy can preserve power and does not prove altruistic motive.
Said against
3- selfishness
- egoism
- greed
It naturally appears in
3- act of altruism
Donating the anonymous prize was an act of altruism.
- pure altruism
The study asks whether pure altruism can be measured.
- everyday altruism
Everyday altruism appeared in meals shared with isolated neighbors.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English noun sense: selfless concern for the welfare of others opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.