Altruism
noun
Definition
1. Selfless concern for the well-being of others.
2. The practice of helping people without expecting anything in return.
3. Unselfish behavior motivated purely by care for others.
2. The practice of helping people without expecting anything in return.
3. Unselfish behavior motivated purely by care for others.
Context Alive
She spent her weekends volunteering at the homeless shelter, not for recognition or resume-building, but because she genuinely wanted to help. Her actions reflected pure altruism, the kind that asked for nothing in return and found its own reward simply in knowing she had made someone’s difficult day a little easier.
Meanings
3 meanings 1 Selfless helping behavior (Noun) Very Common ▼
This is how we use altruism in everyday conversation. You know when someone helps others without wanting praise, money, or favors back? That’s altruism, the genuine desire to improve someone else’s situation just because it’s the right thing to do. For example, a stranger who stops to help you change a flat tire on a rainy highway and then drives away without even sharing their name is showing altruism. The key difference from ordinary kindness is the complete absence of self-interest—true altruism expects absolutely nothing in return.
Vivid ExampleWhen the elderly neighbor fell ill, Marcus began grocery shopping for her every week, an act of quiet altruism that continued for months without him mentioning it to anyone or accepting the money she repeatedly tried to give him for his time and gas.
2 Philosophical or moral principle (Noun) Common ▼
In philosophy and ethics classes, altruism represents a moral position that values others’ welfare as much as or more than your own, serving as the opposite of selfishness or egoism. Philosophers debate whether pure altruism truly exists or whether people always get some hidden benefit from helping, even if it’s just feeling good about themselves. This meaning appears frequently in discussions about morality, human nature, and what motivates good behavior in society.
Vivid ExampleThe ethics professor challenged her students to consider whether true altruism was even possible, sparking a heated debate where some argued that the warm feeling from helping others still counted as a personal reward that made the act less than purely selfless.
3 Biological or evolutionary concept (Noun) Common ▼
In biology and psychology, scientists study altruism in both humans and animals to understand why creatures sometimes sacrifice their own survival or resources to help others, especially non-relatives. For instance, researchers observe altruism when dolphins support injured companions to the surface for air, or when vampire bats share blood with starving members of their colony. Evolutionary biologists puzzle over how altruism developed since helping others at your own expense seems to contradict survival of the fittest.
Vivid ExampleThe documentary showed remarkable animal altruism when a group of elephants refused to leave their injured herd member behind, slowing their migration pace for days and sharing their limited food with her until she could walk properly again, despite the risk to their own survival.
Examples from the Street
“Her altruism is remarkable — she volunteers every weekend at the shelter”
her selfless concern for others is impressive — she donates her time helping people each week
“Is it really altruism if you’re doing it for the publicity?”
is it truly selfless behavior if you’re seeking attention for it?
“Acts of altruism can inspire others to give back too”
selfless deeds can motivate people to help their communities as well
Common Patterns
acts/examples of altruism → instances of selfless behavior
pure/genuine/true altruism → describes the sincerity of selfless acts
show/demonstrate altruism → display selfless concern for others
motivated by altruism → driven by selfless intentions
altruism vs self-interest → selflessness contrasted with personal benefit
spirit of altruism → attitude of selfless generosity
Collocations
3 collocationspure altruism
helping others without expecting anything back
act of altruism
a selfless deed done for others
genuine altruism
truly caring about others' wellbeing
Example Sentences
12 examples
1
His donation was an act of pure altruism — he asked for nothing in return
His contribution represented completely selfless generosity — he requested no recognition or benefit.
2
The organization relies on the altruism of volunteers who work without pay
The group depends on the selfless dedication of unpaid helpers.
3
Psychologists debate whether true altruism exists or if all behavior is ultimately self-serving
Mental health experts argue whether genuinely selfless actions occur or if people always act from personal motives.
4
Her career in social work was motivated by altruism rather than financial gain
Her professional path in community service stemmed from selfless concern instead of monetary reward.
5
Small acts of altruism like holding doors open can brighten someone’s day
Minor selfless gestures such as opening entryways for others can improve someone’s mood.
6
The company’s charity work seemed less about altruism and more about public relations
The firm’s philanthropic activities appeared driven by image concerns rather than genuine selflessness.
7
Evolution scientists study how altruism developed despite seeming to contradict survival instincts
Biologists examine how selfless behavior emerged even though it appears to oppose self-preservation drives.
8
The spirit of altruism flourishes during disasters when strangers help each other
The attitude of selfless generosity thrives during emergencies when unknown people assist one another.
9
She demonstrated remarkable altruism by donating her kidney to a stranger
She displayed extraordinary selflessness by giving her organ to someone she didn’t know.
10
Effective altruism focuses on doing the most good possible with limited resources
Strategic selflessness emphasizes maximizing positive impact with constrained means.
Learner Examples
★
Teaching requires a degree of altruism — you invest enormous energy helping students succeed, often with little recognition or financial reward for your efforts
Instructing demands some selflessness — you dedicate tremendous effort supporting learner achievement, frequently receiving minimal acknowledgment or monetary compensation for your work.
★
When experienced students help struggling classmates understand difficult grammar concepts, they’re showing altruism — spending their time to support others’ learning without expecting anything in return
When advanced learners assist challenged peers in grasping complex linguistic structures, they’re displaying selflessness — devoting their hours to aid others’ comprehension without anticipating reciprocation.
Phrasal Verbs & Idioms
0 items
Synonyms & Antonyms
7 items
Synonymsselflessness
putting others first
generosity
giving without expecting return
charity
helping those in need
goodwill
kind intentions towards others
Antonymsselfishness
only caring about yourself
greed
wanting more for yourself
self-interest
acting only for personal gain