altruistic

[ al-troo-is-tik ]

/ ˌæl truˈɪs tɪk /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR altruistic ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

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

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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Origin of altruistic

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

SYNONYMS FOR altruistic

1 charitable, generous, philanthropic; benevolent, unselfish.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR altruistic ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR altruistic

1 self-centered, selfish, mean.

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OTHER WORDS FROM altruistic

al·tru·is·ti·cal·ly, adverbhy·per·al·tru·is·tic, adjectivenon·al·tru·is·tic, adjectivenon·al·tru·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby altruistic

altrices, altricial, altrincham, altruism, altruist, altruistic, altus, alu, aludel, alula, alum

Example sentences from the Web for altruistic

But his may be one of the most altruistic motives behind DIY nation-building yet.
So You Want to Rule a Kingdom? A Wacky History of One-Man Nations|Nina Strochlic|July 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This greater goal, be it altruistic or economic, helps impassion people, and passion is a great mobilizer.
How to Win at Crowdfunding|Bianca Goodloe|April 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The British model has created her very own altruistic social networking application called “Impossible.”
Áslaug Magnúsdóttir Exits Moda Operandi; Ireland Baldwin's Steamy Vanity Fair Shoot|The Fashion Beast Team|May 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The next most popular idea was to give old fur coats to the homeless, an altruistic act to be sure.
Randy Cohen’s Three Favorite Ethicist Columns|Randy Cohen|October 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST

We are hip to your covert, altruistic acts, but there are many close to you who will be floored by your stealthy, saintly ways.
The Stars Predict Your Week|Starsky + Cox|September 10, 2011|DAILY BEAST
And he looked calm and altruistic and rather hollow round his eyes.
Affinities and Other Stories|Mary Roberts Rinehard
There speaks the altruistic spirit of the young artist, laughed Luke.
The Corner House Girls Snowbound|Grace Brooks Hill
So intent was he upon the arrangements for his altruistic plans that the dearth of children did not receive his notice.
Heart of the West|O. Henry
This kind of hypocrisy is in reality an indirect product of altruistic sentiments.
The Sexual Question|August Forel
The first were influenced by the most honourable of altruistic motives.
The Philippines Past and Present (Volume 2 of 2)|Dean Conant Worcester