Definition of 'altruism'

Word Frequency

altruism

(æltruɪzəm )

uncountable noun

Altruism is unselfish concern for other people's happiness and welfare.

Synonyms: selflessness, charity, consideration, goodwill More Synonyms of altruism

Video: pronunciation of 'altruism'

Word Frequency

altruism in British

(ˈæltruːˌɪzəm )

noun

the principle or practice of unselfish concern for the welfare of others

the philosophical doctrine that right action is that which produces the greatest benefit to others

Compare egoism, See also utilitarianism

Derived forms

altruist (ˈaltruist)

noun

altruistic (ˌaltruˈistic)

adjective

altruistically (ˌaltruˈistically)

adverb

Word origin of 'altruism'

C19: from French altruisme, from Italian altrui others, from Latin alterī, plural of alter other

Word Frequency

altruism in American

(ˈæltruˌɪzəm ; alˈtro̅oizˌəm)

noun

unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness

2. Ethics

the doctrine that the general welfare of society is the proper goal of an individual's actions

Example sentences containing 'altruism'

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This work is not just a show of altruism. Times, Sunday Times (2008)He said that they had shown courage and altruism and made the supreme sacrifice. Times, Sunday Times (2015)What other human behaviour has its origins in reciprocal altruism? Times, Sunday Times (2010)He has used his sporting status to entice people into altruism. Times, Sunday Times (2014)Taking all this trouble to build such a sympathetic environment was not done out of pure altruism but to improve the organisation. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Theirs is a mixture of altruism and self-interest. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Nobody pretends that the retailers' attempts to green themselves are pure altruism. Times, Sunday Times (2007)He showed unflinching altruism, risking all for people he did not know. Times, Sunday Times (2007)They appealed to people 's altruism. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Honours should be for people who have shown genuine altruism and dedication and commitment to helping others, or making this country stronger. The Sun (2014)My reason for acquiring one is self-interest, not altruism. Times, Sunday Times (2006)This behaviour is known as reciprocal altruism - self-interested and interested in others at the same time. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Human co-operation is reciprocal altruism. Times, Sunday Times (2010)So alongside reciprocal altruism there evolved ways of identifying people who would - if you did a favour for them - do a favour back. Times, Sunday Times (2010)