Unselfishness: meaning, definitions and examples
🤝
unselfishness
[ˌʌnˈsɛlfɪʃnəs ]
Definition
personal qualities
Unselfishness is the quality of being considerate of other people's needs and putting their needs before your own. It involves sacrificing your own desires for the greater good.
Synonyms
altruism, generosity, selflessness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unselfishness |
Used to describe a general attitude or behavior where someone consistently thinks of others before themselves. Often used in broader, everyday contexts.
|
| selflessness |
Emphasizes the absence of selfishness and personal gain, indicating actions that are purely for the benefit of others. Often used to describe profound or heroic acts.
|
| altruism |
Refers to a philosophical or ethical stance that prioritizes the well-being of others, sometimes at a personal cost. Commonly used in more formal or academic contexts.
|
| generosity |
Focuses on the act of giving or sharing resources freely and willingly. Often used when referring to specific acts or gestures.
|
Examples of usage
- She always prioritizes others over herself, demonstrating true unselfishness.
- His unselfishness in helping those in need is truly admirable.
- Unselfishness is a rare trait in today's society.
- Her unselfishness and generosity have earned her the respect of many.
- Unselfishness is often a key component in building strong relationships.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Unselfishness is often linked to altruism, which is the selfless concern for the welfare of others.
- Many philosophers, like Immanuel Kant, have emphasized the importance of acting out of duty to help others rather than for personal gain.
Psychology
- Studies show that being unselfish can increase personal happiness; helping others can release 'feel-good' hormones in the brain.
- People who practice unselfishness are often seen as more trustworthy and likable, which helps build social bonds.
Culture
- Different cultures emphasize unselfishness in various ways; for example, collectivist societies often foster communal living, which encourages putting family or group needs first.
- In many spiritual traditions, unselfishness is regarded as a virtue and is taught as a way to achieve inner peace and harmony.
History
- Throughout history, countless activists, like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., exemplified unselfishness through their work for social justice and equality.
- Unselfishness has played a crucial role in charitable movements, where individuals pool resources and efforts to assist the less fortunate.
Literature
- Effective storytelling often highlights unselfish protagonists who sacrifice their own needs for the betterment of others, making them relatable and heroic.
- Many classic fairy tales and fables conclude with a moral about the importance of unselfishness, teaching values to younger readers.
Translations
Translations of the word "unselfishness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 altruísmo
🇮🇳 निःस्वार्थता
🇩🇪 Selbstlosigkeit
🇮🇩 ketidakpamrihan
🇺🇦 безкорисливість
🇵🇱 bezinteresowność
🇯🇵 無私
🇫🇷 altruisme
🇪🇸 altruismo
🇹🇷 fedakarlık
🇰🇷 이타심
🇸🇦 إيثار
🇨🇿 nesobeckost
🇸🇰 nezištnosť
🇨🇳 无私
🇸🇮 nesebičnost
🇮🇸 ósérhlífni
🇰🇿 өзгелерге қамқорлық
🇬🇪 არსებობა
🇦🇿 fədakarlıq
🇲🇽 altruismo