altruism

al·tru·ism  (ltr-zm)

n.

1. Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness.

2. Zoology Instinctive behavior that is detrimental to the individual but favors the survival or spread of that individual's genes, as by benefiting its relatives.

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[French altruisme, probably from Italian altrui, someone else, from Latin alter, other; see al-¹ in Indo-European roots.]

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altru·ist n.

altru·istic adj.

altru·isti·cal·ly adv.

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altruism

Noun

unselfish concern for the welfare of others [Italian altrui others]

altruist n
altruistic adj

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altruism  (ltr-zm)

Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimental or without reproductive benefit to the individual but that contributes to the survival of the group to which the individual belongs. The willingness of a subordinate member of a wolf pack to forgo mating and help care for the dominant pair's pups is an example of altruistic behavior. While the individual may not reproduce, or may reproduce less often, its behavior helps ensure that a close relative does successfully reproduce, thus passing on a large share of the altruistic individual's genetic material.

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altruism

a concern or regard for the needs of others, entirely without ulterior motive. — altruist, n. — altruistic, adj.

See also: Attitudes

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

altruism - the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others selflessness unselfishness - the quality of not putting yourself first but being willing to give your time or money or effort etc. for others; "rural people show more devotion and unselfishness than do their urban cousins" egocentrism, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-interest, egoism - concern for your own interests and welfare

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altruism

noun selflessness, charity, consideration, goodwill, generosity, self-sacrifice, philanthropy, benevolence, magnanimity, humanitarianism, unselfishness, beneficence, charitableness, greatheartedness, bigheartedness << OPPOSITE self-interest

Translations

altruism [ˈæltruɪzəm] n → altruismo

altruism [ˈæltruɪzəm] n → altruisme m

altruism [ˈæltruɪzəm] n → Altruismus m

altruism [ˈæltruɪzəm] n → altruismo