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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

Altruistic

Adjective

IPA /ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/

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Meaning in plain English

Showing selfless concern for the well-being of others; generous without expecting anything in return.

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Pronunciation

Altruistic/ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/

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  1. You give your time to help

  2. You expect nothing back

Altruistic help is given out of concern for others.

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  1. Her altruistic decision to donate her inheritance to charity inspired the whole town.
  2. In an altruistic act, he spent his weekends volunteering at the animal shelter.

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Altruistic — Showing selfless concern for the well-being of others; generous without expecting anything in return.

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Showing selfless concern for the well-being of others; generous without expecting anything in return.

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Word origin

Formed from altruism, the English noun borrowed from French altruisme.

Did you know?

Altruistic focuses on concern for others rather than personal reward. Feeling pleased after helping someone does not by itself make the motive selfish.

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Altruistic

/ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/ (Adjective)

“Formal: use altruistic for behaviour or motives focused on helping others, even when there is no personal benefit.”

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