Word meaning
altruism
noun · AL-troo-iz-um
What does altruism mean?
Altruism means selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Altruism in a sentence
“Donating a kidney to a stranger is an act of pure altruism.”
Synonyms for altruism
- selflessness
- unselfishness
- generosity
Where does altruism come from?
Coined in French (altruisme) by the philosopher Auguste Comte, from Italian altrui, "of others."
How to remember altruism
- Say it out loud a few times: AL-troo-iz-um.
- Write one sentence of your own using altruism, about something that happened to you today.
- Quiz yourself tomorrow, in three days, and next week. Spaced reviews are what make new words stick.
More words worth knowing
- mollify — to reduce the anger or anxiety of someone.
- pugnacious — eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight.
- nurture — to care for and encourage the growth or development of.
- oblivious — not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one.
- wary — feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.
- effervescent — bubbly; also, vivacious and enthusiastic.