altruistic

[ al-troo-is-tik ]

adjective

1. unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others ( egoistic ).

   Synonyms: unselfish, benevolent, philanthropic, generous, charitable

   Antonyms: mean, selfish, self-centered

2. Animal Behavior. of or relating to behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its kind, often its close relatives.

Other Words From

• altru·isti·cal·ly adverb
• hyper·altru·istic adjective
• nonal·tru·istic adjective
• nonal·tru·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of altruistic¹

First recorded in 1850–55; altru(ism) + -istic

Example Sentences

It’s an idea that feels good to Garfield — not in a purely altruistic way, he insists — but connecting, giving something of himself “just feels really f— pleasurable to me.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Donations cannot be called altruistic while money is exchanged," she said.

From BBC

Market research has shown that consumers are motivated by factors like taste, familiarity, price, and nutrition more than plant-based foods' "altruistic attributes," like sustainability.

From Salon

She previously told the BBC: “The system that Anna was seeking to undermine… she wasn’t doing it out of some altruistic nobility, she wanted to be a part of them.”

From BBC

These altruistic plans had a deep impact on Philipsborn.

From BBC

Related Words

• charitable
• humanitarian
• magnanimous
• philanthropic