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 Word Forms

• altruistically adverb
• hyperaltruistic adjective
• nonaltruistic adjective
• nonaltruistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of altruistic¹

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

Example Sentences

"The ability to sell or profit from human remains I think complicates the altruistic idea of donating for education," she says.

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“It wasn’t so altruistic as it may have seemed at the time.”

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They are honorable, of course, and when we meet Ghost, we discover motivations that are similarly altruistic, if a bit shallowly written.

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He was galvanized early in life by liberation theology, a logical philosophy for someone who recognizes Jesus as the altruistic, peace-loving hippie he is depicted as in the New Testament.

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In India, if the donor and recipient are not close relatives, they must demonstrate that the motive is altruistic and explain the relationship between them.

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Related Words

• charitable 
• humanitarian 
• magnanimous 
• philanthropic