altruistic
[al-troo-is-tik]
- 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
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comAntonyms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
charitablehumanitarianphilanthropicmagnanimousbenevolentbigbig-heartedconsiderategenerousgoodhumanhumanekindopenhandedself-sacrificingExamples from the Web for altruistic
Contemporary Examples
Most Americans have viewed Africa through the lens of LiveAid or Black Hawk Down or the altruistic whims of Madonna.
But his may be one of the most altruistic motives behind DIY nation-building yet.
This greater goal, be it altruistic or economic, helps impassion people, and passion is a great mobilizer.
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 ShootThe Fashion Beast Team
May 20, 2013
The next most popular idea was to give old fur coats to the homeless, an altruistic act to be sure.
Historical Examples
If she had been notoriously of an altruistic and free-handed disposition, he could have understood it.
The Market-PlaceHarold Frederic
It was altruistic he knew, gentle he was sure, educational he was positive.
The Vagrant DukeGeorge Gibbs
They have no high-falutin, altruistic ideas of improving the Boche.
The Rough RoadWilliam John Locke
The Associates were altruistic for the sake of altruism, not for the sake of its beneficiaries.
The Crack of DoomRobert Cromie
He is altruistic, of course; that is, he feels that he needs help.
Philosophy and The Social ProblemWill Durant
Word Origin and History for altruistic
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper