Selfless: meaning, definitions and examples

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selfless

 

[ ˈsɛlfləs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in relationships

Having or showing concern for the well-being of others without thought for oneself.

Synonyms

altruistic, generous, kind-hearted, unselfish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
selfless

When someone prioritizes others' needs and well-being over their own without seeking any reward.

  • She made a selfless decision to donate her kidney to a stranger
altruistic

When someone's actions are motivated by a concern for the welfare of others, often emphasizing a moral duty.

  • The altruistic volunteer spent her weekends helping at the animal shelter
unselfish

When someone acts without self-interest, often in everyday situations where a small sacrifice is made to help others.

  • His unselfish act of giving up his seat to an elderly passenger was appreciated by everyone
generous

When someone is willing to give more of something, especially money or time, than is necessary or expected.

  • He made a generous donation to the local food bank
kind-hearted

When someone shows a benevolent, compassionate, and gentle nature.

  • The kind-hearted teacher always took extra time to help struggling students

Examples of usage

  • She is known for her selfless dedication to helping those in need.
  • His selfless actions have inspired others to do the same.
Context #2 | Adjective

actions

Completely unselfish and concerned only with the well-being of others.

Synonyms

benevolent, charitable, magnanimous, self-sacrificing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
selfless

Used to describe someone who puts the needs and well-being of others before their own without expecting anything in return.

  • She is truly selfless, always thinking about how to help her friends and family
self-sacrificing

Describes someone who is willing to give up their own interests, desires, or needs for the sake of others, often seen as an act of great generosity.

  • The self-sacrificing mother worked two jobs to ensure her children had a good education
benevolent

Describes someone who has a kind and generous nature, often doing good deeds out of goodwill.

  • The benevolent donor gave a large sum of money to help the homeless shelter
charitable

Refers to someone who gives help, usually in the form of money or resources, to those in need or supports charitable organizations.

  • He has a charitable heart, always donating to various causes
magnanimous

Describes someone who is generous and forgiving, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful.

  • Despite their disagreements, she was magnanimous enough to forgive him and move forward

Examples of usage

  • The firefighter's selfless bravery saved many lives during the fire.
  • Her selfless donation of time and money made a real difference in the community.

Translations

Translations of the word "selfless" in other languages:

🇵🇹 altruísta

🇮🇳 निःस्वार्थ

🇩🇪 selbstlos

🇮🇩 tanpa pamrih

🇺🇦 безкорисливий

🇵🇱 bezinteresowny

🇯🇵 無私

🇫🇷 altruiste

🇪🇸 desinteresado

🇹🇷 fedakar

🇰🇷 이타적인

🇸🇦 غير أناني

🇨🇿 nesobecký

🇸🇰 nesebecký

🇨🇳 无私

🇸🇮 nesebičen

🇮🇸 ósérhlífinn

🇰🇿 өзгеге жанашыр

🇬🇪 თავდადებული

🇦🇿 özündən keçən

🇲🇽 desinteresado

Etymology

The word 'selfless' originated from the combination of 'self' and the suffix '-less', meaning without. It first appeared in the early 19th century, emphasizing the absence of selfishness or concern for oneself. The concept of selflessness has been valued in various cultures and religions as a virtue that promotes harmony and altruism.

See also: self, selfhood, selfish, selflessly, selflessness, unselfish, unselfishly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,929, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.