English vocabulary · B2
Altruism
/ˈæl.tru.ɪ.z əm/ · n.
It means caring about other people more than yourself, and helping them without expecting anything back. Kindness with no reward.
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Example sentences
- Her altruism drove her to donate half her income every year.
- Firefighters show altruism every time they run into a burning building.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- alter — other (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SELFLESSNESS — putting others before yourself (Character & Value)
- GENEROSITY — willingness to give freely (Action & Giving)
- CHARITY — help given to those in need (Organized & Formal)
Words with the same root
alter — other
- alter — to change something into something else
- alternate — to switch between two different things
- alternative — a different choice you can take instead
Lesson notes
Altruism. It means caring about other people more than yourself, and helping them without expecting anything back. It is kindness with no reward.
Similar words are selflessness, generosity, and charity. Use altruism when someone helps others with no thought of personal gain.
Her altruism drove her to donate half her income every year. Firefighters show altruism every time they run into a burning building.
From Latin. Alter- means other. Living for the other person, not yourself — that is altruism.