With generous concern for others before personal advantage.
Reach for it when describing help or sacrifice given with primary concern for others rather than personal gain
She selflessly gave her place to someone in greater need.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| formal |
everyday
for others
Fits when plain wording avoids a claim about inner motive
Careful The phrase describes beneficiaries, not selflessness.
everyday
unselfishly
Fits when not putting oneself first is the plain meaning
Careful Unselfishly can still allow mixed motives.
warm
Fits when loyal sustained service matters
Careful Devotion can be directed toward a cause that benefits the person.
warm
Fits when ample giving is central
Careful Generosity can bring status or pleasure to the giver.
warm
without seeking credit
Fits when lack of recognition-seeking is known
Careful Avoid claiming this when motives are not verifiable.
professional
altruistically
Fits when benefiting others without expected return is precise
Careful Altruistically sounds clinical in personal praise.
formal
benevolently
Fits when kind intention from a position of power is central
Careful Benevolence can sound paternalistic.
formal
sacrificially
Fits when accepting real personal cost is central
Careful Sacrifice is stronger and can glorify preventable harm.
serve selflessly
She continued to serve selflessly while training two successors.
act selflessly
The driver acted selflessly by helping passengers before checking his luggage.
give selflessly
They give selflessly but still protect time for rest.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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