Definition of 'altruism'
uncountable noun
Altruism is unselfish concern for other people's happiness and welfare.
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Video: pronunciation of 'altruism'
noun
Compare egoism, See also utilitarianism2.
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Derived forms
noun
altruistic (ˌaltruˈistic)
adjective
altruistically (ˌaltruˈistically)
adverb
Word origin of 'altruism'
noun
1.
unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Derived forms
noun
Word origin of 'altruism'
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)
Trends of 'altruism'
In Common Usage. altruism is one of the 10000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary
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Translations for 'altruism'
British English: altruism NOUN
Altruism is unselfish concern for other people's happiness and welfare.
Fortunately, volunteers are not motivated by self-interest, but by altruism.
Nearby words of 'altruism'
Source
Definition of altruism from the
Collins English Dictionary
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