selfless
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of selfless
Compare meaning
How does selfless compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
When you're being selfless, you're thinking of other people before yourself. Selfless is the opposite of selfish. If you're selfless, you think less about your self, and more about others — you're generous and kind. Being selfless is similar to being altruistic — another word for giving to others without looking for personal gain. If you give time, money, or things to other people without expecting something in return, that's selfless. Most people would agree that the world would be a better place if there were more selfless behavior.
Vocabulary lists containing selfless
Giving Words
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'Tis The Season: Words For Giving
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You're Too Kind! Synonyms for "Generous"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Selfless acts offer hope for the new year.
From Washington Times • Jan. 3, 2023
"Selfless," said Kathy, before Denise continued: "We'll never see anyone like her again."
From BBC • Sep. 13, 2022
That’s Selfless Steph — never one to let his ego get in the way of Golden State’s success.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2022
He explains this to us in the first half of the first sentence of JJ Bola’s novel “The Selfless Act of Breathing.”
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2022
We continue to give service to the Selfless God, we worship the great selfless oneness in the spirit, oneness in service of the great humanity, that which is Not-Me.
From Twilight in Italy by Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
