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Altruism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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altruism

[ˈæltruɪzəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

concept of selfless concern for the well-being of others

Altruism is the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others. It is a philosophical concept that suggests acting for the good of others without expecting anything in return. Altruism is often seen as a virtue and is considered to be the opposite of selfishness.

Synonyms

benevolence, generosity, selflessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
altruism

Altruism is best used to describe the principle or practice of showing concern for the well-being of others without expecting anything in return. It often denotes self-sacrifice for the good of others.

  • Her altruism was evident when she donated her entire savings to help build a school in a remote village
selflessness

Selflessness is best applied when describing actions or behaviors that put the needs and desires of others before one's own. It highlights the absence of selfishness.

  • The firefighter's selflessness was evident when he risked his own life to save the children trapped in the burning building
benevolence

Benevolence is appropriate when referring to the act of doing good and showing kindness. It suggests a disposition to do good and be charitable.

  • The benevolence of the local philanthropist helped ensure that no family in the town went hungry
generosity

Generosity is usually used to describe the quality of being willing to give more of something, such as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.

  • His generosity knew no bounds; he frequently donated to various charities and supported local community projects

Examples of usage

  • Her altruism was evident in her constant acts of kindness towards strangers.
  • Volunteering at the local shelter is a great way to practice altruism.
  • The philanthropist's altruism knew no bounds as he generously donated to various charitable causes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that practicing altruism can lead to improved mental health and increased happiness.
  • Neuroscience reveals that acts of kindness can activate the brain's reward centers, releasing feel-good hormones.
  • Altruism may be rooted in evolutionary biology, as helping others can enhance group survival.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the nature of altruism, with some arguing it is inherently good, while others question if true selflessness exists.
  • Ethical theories often include altruism as a moral ideal, contrasting it with egoism, where self-interest is paramount.
  • Altruistic acts can be distinguished from charitable ones; the former emphasizes genuine intent to help without expecting a reward.

Culture

  • Altruism is celebrated in various cultures, often embodied in literature and folklore as heroes helping the needy.
  • In some religious teachings, altruistic behavior is seen as virtuous, promoting harmony within communities.
  • Cultural practices, like volunteering or community service, are often rooted in the altruistic desire to improve society.

Evolutionary Biology

  • Some biologists suggest that altruistic behavior can evolve through kin selection, where individuals help relatives to ensure genetic survival.
  • Reciprocal altruism is a theory that explains how helping others can benefit oneself over time, creating mutually beneficial relationships.
  • Researchers analyze altruism in animals, leading to discoveries about social bonds and cooperative behaviors in species like dolphins and elephants.

Origin of 'altruism'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'altruisme', which was coined by philosopher Auguste Comte in the 19th century.
  • It originates from the Latin word 'alter', meaning 'other', highlighting its focus on other people's needs.
  • Initially used in philosophical writings, the term evolved to describe actions motivated by a desire to help others.

The term 'altruism' was coined by French philosopher Auguste Comte in the 19th century, derived from the Latin word 'alteri' meaning 'other'. Comte believed that altruism was a key principle in society, emphasizing the importance of caring for others and promoting the well-being of all individuals. The concept of altruism has since become a widely recognized ethical value across various cultures and societies.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,333, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.