noun
altruism
AL-troo-ihz-uhm
noun
1
Selfless concern for the wellbeing of others, often shown through helpful action.
"Her volunteer work was a genuine act of altruism."
"Some scientists study altruism in animals that help others at a cost to themselves."
How to Use Altruism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCaring about and helping others without expecting anything back.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
act of altruism
pure altruism
Word Forms
altruisms plural
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Her volunteer work was a genuine act of _____.
Etymology
Coined in French in 1830 by Auguste Comte from autrui, "others," plus the suffix "-isme"; introduced into English in 1853.