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Definition of altruism

altruism

/ˈæl.tru.ɪ.zəm/
al · tru · ism
Adverb:altruistically
•
Adjective:altruistic
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altruism Lexical Profile

altruism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Example

"Her decision to donate a large portion of her savings to the local shelter was an act of pure altruism."

2

Behavior of an animal that benefits another at its own expense, especially in terms of reproductive fitness (in zoology and evolutionary biology).

Example

"Evolutionary biologists have long studied how reciprocal altruism develops among social mammals such as vampire bats and primates."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

alto
altogether
altrix
altruism
altruist
altruistic
altruistically

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1830 by the French philosopher Auguste Comte as altruisme, from Old French autrui ('of or to others'), which ultimately derives from Latin alter ('other'). Comte introduced the term as an explicit ethical opposite to egoism.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Altruism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/altruism
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