Altruist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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altruist

[ˈæltruɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personality trait

A person who has an unselfish concern for the welfare of others. Altruists are known for their generosity and willingness to help those in need.

Synonyms

benefactor, humanitarian, philanthropist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
altruist	Used to describe someone who selflessly helps others, often putting others' needs before their own. The term generally implies genuine and voluntary actions without expectation of return. She is an altruist who volunteers every weekend at the local shelter. As an altruist, he dedicated his life to helping those in need.
humanitarian	Often used to describe individuals or actions dedicated to promoting human welfare and social reforms. This term is frequently used in the context of global efforts and large-scale initiatives. His humanitarian work during the crisis saved many lives. She received numerous awards for her humanitarian efforts.
philanthropist	Refers to a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes. The term usually implies large-scale charitable giving and often connotes wealth. The philanthropist donated millions to the hospital fund. She is known as a leading philanthropist in her community.
benefactor	Typically used to describe an individual who provides financial support or other help to a person, organization, or cause. This term often has a more formal and sometimes transactional connotation. The new building was made possible by a generous benefactor. She became the main benefactor for the nonprofit organization.

Examples of usage

She is a true altruist, always putting others before herself.
His altruistic nature led him to donate a large sum of money to charity.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

biology

An organism that behaves in a way that benefits others, often at a cost to itself. Altruism in biology is a fascinating phenomenon that challenges traditional notions of survival of the fittest.

Synonyms

cooperative behavior, sacrifice, selflessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
altruist	An 'altruist' is someone who behaves in a selfless manner, putting the needs of others before their own. This word is often used to describe a person's character and overall behavior. She devoted her life to helping others; she was a true altruist. The philanthropist's contributions to the community revealed him as an altruist.
cooperative behavior	'Cooperative behavior' refers to actions taken by individuals to work together effectively for a common goal. This term is commonly used in social science, biology, and organizational contexts. The project's success was largely due to the cooperative behavior of all team members. In animal societies, cooperative behavior can improve the survival of the group.
selflessness	'Selflessness' is the quality of being concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own. It describes a general attitude and can be used in various situations. Her selflessness was evident when she volunteered every weekend at the shelter. Acts of selflessness often go unrecognized but make a big difference.
sacrifice	'Sacrifice' involves giving up something of value for the sake of others or a greater cause. It has a strong connotation of personal loss or hardship endured. He made a great sacrifice by leaving his job to care for his ailing parents. Many soldiers have sacrificed their lives for their country.

Examples of usage

The worker bees in the hive exhibit altruistic behavior by sacrificing themselves to protect the queen.
Certain species of birds display altruism by warning others in the group of impending danger.

Translations

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

Origin of 'altruist'

The term 'altruist' was coined by the French philosopher Auguste Comte in the 19th century. It is derived from the Latin word 'alteri,' meaning 'other.' Comte believed that altruism was a key principle in creating a harmonious society where individuals care for each other. The concept of altruism has since been studied in various fields, including psychology, sociology, and biology, shedding light on the importance of selflessness and empathy in human and animal behavior.