Vocabulary in context
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Altruistic
Showing a selfless concern for the welfare of others; unselfishly generous.
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Imagine This
Al, the judge, is concerned about the well-being of innocent people. He wishes there were something like the magical Truth-Telling Stick to make liars tell the truth in court, thereby protecting the innocent.
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Sounds Like
al-TROO-iss-tik
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Looks Like
Resembles 'altruist' or 'altruism'.
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Remember This
Remember that 'altruistic' comes from 'altruism,' which emphasizes concern for others rather than oneself.
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Other Forms
altruismnoun
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Connect With
selflessness, benevolence, generosity, philanthropy, humane acts
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Note
Use 'altruistic' to describe actions or motives that place others' welfare above one's own. Do not confuse with 'charitable' or 'generous' if the emphasis is not on selflessness or the welfare of others.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her altruistic actions helped countless people in need.
- The volunteer's altruistic decision to spend weekends helping at the shelter impressed the community.
Synonyms
selflessunselfishbenevolentphilanthropiccharitable
Antonyms
selfishself-centeredegocentric
Etymology
From French altruisme, coined in the 19th century by Auguste Comte, from Old French autrui 'other people' (alter meaning 'other') + the suffix -isme; the adjective is formed from the noun altruism plus -ic.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: ALTRUISTIC = ALTRUIST + IC — recall that altruist is a selfless person who helps others, and adding IC turns it into the adjective.
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Parsimony
nounThe quality of being extremely frugal or stingy; the tendency to spend as little as possible.
Impugn
verbTo dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of a claim, statement, or someone's motives; to challenge or cast doubt on.
Decorous
adjectiveCharacterized by proper, tasteful, and socially appropriate conduct or dress; showing good manners and propriety.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Philanthropy
nounThe love of humanity and the desire to promote the welfare of others, usually expressed through charitable acts or donations.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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