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altruistic

   Also found in: Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.21 sec.
al·tru·ism  (ltr-zm)
n.
1. Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness.
2. Zoology Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimental to the individual but contributes to the survival of the species.
[French altruisme, probably from Italian altrui, someone else, from Latin alter, other; see al-1 in Indo-European roots.]
altru·ist n.
altru·istic adj.
altru·isti·cal·ly adv.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Adj.1.altruistic - showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others
selfless
unselfish - disregarding your own advantages and welfare over those of others
egocentric, egoistic, egoistical, self-centered, self-centred - limited to or caring only about yourself and your own needs
altruistic
adjective selfless, generous, humanitarian, charitable, benevolent, considerate, self-sacrificing, philanthropic, unselfish, public-spirited << OPPOSITE self-interested
Translations
Spanish altruistic [æltruˈɪstɪk] adj → altruista
French altruistic [æltruˈɪstɪk] adj → altruiste
German altruistic [æltruˈɪstɪk] adj → uneigennützig, altruistisch
Italian altruistic [æltruˈɪstɪk] adj → altruistico/a
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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
No doubt a fancied affinity with Tom Pinch through their common love of music made him like that most sentimental and improbable personage, whom he would have disowned and laughed to scorn if he had met him in life; but it was a purely altruistic sympathy that he felt with Little Nell and her grandfather.
My Literary Passions by Howells,William Dean View in context
And as Prince Michael's eye rested upon the glowing face of the great clock in the tower, his smile, altruistic as it was, became slightly tinged with contempt.
The Four Million by Henry, O. View in context
An altruistic act is an act performed for the welfare of others.
The Sea Wolf by London, Jack View in context
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