Altruistic

Motivated chiefly by concern for other people's welfare.

Reach for it when praising a choice whose intended benefit genuinely belongs to others

Their altruistic decision gave the larger room to the crowded clinic.

• everyday

  generous

  freely giving more than required is visible

  not when Generosity can be enjoyable or reputation-building rather than altruistic.

• warm

  other-centered

  attention deliberately moves away from personal benefit

  not when Other-centered is uncommon and can imply poor boundaries.

• warm

  selfless

  personal advantage is clearly set aside

  not when Selfless can glorify exhaustion or the surrender of reasonable needs.

• professional

  charitable

  aid to people or causes is the context

  not when Charitable can describe tax status or a lenient interpretation.

• formal

  benevolent

  kind intent from a position of power is central

  not when Benevolent can sound paternal and does not prove sacrifice.

• formal

  public-spirited

  community benefit guides the action

  not when Public spirit may come from civic duty rather than selfless motive.

• selfish
• self-serving
• exploitative

• altruistic act

  The anonymous donation was an altruistic act.

• altruistic motive

  Researchers could not verify an entirely altruistic motive.

• altruistic behavior

  Altruistic behavior increased when neighbors knew one another.