altruistic

American  

[al-troo-is-tik] / ˌæl truˈɪs tɪk /

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of altruistic

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

Example Sentences

"The population is like one big family," he says, "there is less taboo about these issues, and we are an altruistic population, many sperm donors also donate blood."

From BBC

Cremer concludes, "This precise coordination between the individual and colony level is what makes this altruistic disease signaling so effective."

From Science Daily

Some claim that “altruistic” surrogacy, where payment is limited to “pregnancy-related expenses,” makes it ethical.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• charitable
• humanitarian
• magnanimous
• philanthropic